The Metropolitan Police and Haringey Council raised objections against the application for a premises licence from the owner of Q Vibes, in West Green Road, Tottenham.
The premises did previously hold a licence, but under a company that dissolved, meaning that licence “fell away”. Therefore the business has had to submit a new application.
A licensing sub-committee last week (Thursday, October 17) heard the owner, Janeth Wright, “failed to inform” the authority of the dissolution, but had continued operating.
The application sought “late hours” to serve alcohol and refreshments and host live music and dancing, closing at 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 12am Monday to Wednesday, and 11pm on Sunday.
The bar and restaurant currently opens from 12pm to 12am during the week and closes at 2am on Saturday and Sunday.
PC Derek Ewart detailed three criminal accusations, two in January and one in July when raising objections.
In July it was reported an individual armed with a gun caused disturbance at the club.
In January an assault was reported and in the same month an alleged incident of sex trafficking involving “young girls” had occurred at the venue.
Cllr Adam Small asked why the police believed Q Vibes was the “magnet” for this anti-social behaviour and crime.
He also asked what “failures” were carried out by the owner.
PC Ewart said it was reported the incidents took place at “this location” and that the venue had a “responsibility” to mitigate crimes such as these.
He added the owner had “failed to report” the serious crimes, which was a part of “licensing objective”.
PC Ewart said: “I’ve many restaurants within my remit in both Enfield and Haringey and they don’t attract this sort of attention, it may well just be Ms Wright had a run of bad luck.
“Based purely on police searches, and the fact these incidents were brought to our attention with Q Vibes, and Ms Wright said she’d had issues and hadn’t reported it, I’m left to surmise that she could have done something to prevent this but didn’t.”
A consultant acting on behalf of Ms Wright asked if “conclusively” the police had been able to find out if “these incidents were true” and whether they were able give more information on the suspect who carried the firearm.
PC Ewart said: “This isn’t a court of law, we don’t embark upon that, it’s not beyond all reasonable doubt, it’s a probability.”
PC Ewart added he did not have more information on the suspect but could “find that out”.
Ms Wright said she was willing to work with the council to do “whatever was necessary” including enhancing the venue’s security.
Following discussions, councillors on the licensing sub-committee sat in private to consider the application. A decision is due to be published this week.
