The CEO Lounge was set to open in the unit previously occupied by the fast food restaurant Mazee’s Place in New Road, Dagenham, at the end of November.
However, its launch was forced to be postponed due to “police concerns” in relation to its premises licence application – which included selling alcohol until 2.30am from Thursday to Sunday.
Representations published ahead of a Barking and Dagenham Council licensing sub-committee meeting next Tuesday (December 17) reveal that the Met Police fear the venue will promote “irresponsible drinking”, potentially leading to “severe intoxication levels” and “criminal offences”.
In a letter to the council’s licensing team, on behalf of the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, PC Owen Dunn said that police have concerns about the “intention” of The CEO Lounge.
Although it markets itself as a restaurant with a focus on “high-quality” dining, the late opening hours suggest it will run as a bar or nightclub, say police.
A post on The CEO Lounge’s Facebook page – which has since been taken down – promised £500 reservation packages for the opening night, complete with bottles of spirits and champagne.
PC Dunn said: “This particular promotion is deemed as an irresponsible drinking promotion, as that is a seriously substantial amount of alcohol to be on any table.
“It is a concern that the bottles on tables could easily be used as weapons should a disorder take place.
“This is not an unrealistic assumption as the borough has already seen this type of offence and behaviour take place in one of its venues which previously had its licenc reviewed.”
He concluded that, as a result, police are asking the sub-committee to refuse the application.
Several residents from neighbouring streets also objected to the licence worrying that patrons in a “drunken state” would create a “public nuisance”.
READ MORE: Met Police update on The CEO Lounge, Dagenham opening delay
Sean Worgan said in his representation he feared The CEO Lounge would create more rubbish, “exacerbating the problem of rats”.
Another resident, Shobad Ahmed, said: “I would strongly advise against and petition against any alcohol licence or late night licence being granted to this new establishment.
“It will simply cause chaos in the local residential area.”
In response to residents’ representations, The CEO Lounge said it is “committed to operating as a responsible Afro Fusion restaurant” that prioritises “public safety, minimizes public nuisance, and positively contributes to the local community”.
It also proposed changing the opening hours to close at 2am – instead of 3am – on Friday and Saturday, and to midnight for the rest of the week.
The application will be debated on Tuesday (December 17) at the licensing sub-committee meeting.
