Key Points
- The CEO Lounge in Dagenham has applied to Barking and Dagenham Council to extend its opening hours.
- Current closing time is 1am; the application seeks a new closing time of 3am from Friday to Sunday.
- The application is for premises on New Road, Dagenham, a popular nightlife location.
- The move has divided opinion between the business seeking to boost revenue and some local residents concerned about late-night disturbance.
- Barking and Dagenham Council’s licensing sub-committee will consider the application in the coming weeks.
- The CEO Lounge, known for Afro-Fusion cuisine and vibrant events, aims to meet growing customer demand.
- Local police and community representatives have been notified, and their feedback will influence the decision.
- The application comes amid a wider trend of nightlife venues seeking extended hours post-pandemic to recoup losses.
What is the CEO Lounge’s application to extend opening hours about?
As reported by journalist Tamsin Sheriff of Barking and Dagenham Post, The CEO Lounge, a popular Afro-Fusion lounge located at 93-97 New Road, Dagenham, has formally applied to Barking and Dagenham Council to extend its operating hours. The current licence permits closing at 1am every night, but the venue seeks to extend closing times to 3am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to accommodate customer demand for later entertainment hours.
Why does The CEO Lounge want to extend opening hours?
According to statements from The CEO Lounge’s management featured in the Barking and Dagenham Post, the venue is experiencing increasing patronage for weekend late-night events and wants to meet customer expectations by providing extended hours. They believe this change will boost business viability and bring more vibrant nightlife to the area, enriching local cultural offerings. The CEO Lounge incorporates a blend of Afro-Fusion cuisine, signature cocktails, and live entertainment, branding itself as a premium nightlife destination in Dagenham.
What are the current concerns or objections regarding the application?
The application has received mixed reactions. As noted in reports by Tamsin Sheriff at Barking and Dagenham Post, while many welcome the added nightlife vibrancy, some local residents have expressed worries about potential noise disturbances, late-night anti-social behaviour, and increased littering. These concerns will be taken into account by the council licensing sub-committee, which has invited comments from local community groups and the police before making a decision.
What will the council’s decision-making process involve?
The Barking and Dagenham Council Licensing Sub-Committee is tasked with assessing the application considering all evidence, including feedback from police, the venue, local residents, and community groups. The aim is to balance economic benefits and community wellbeing. Police representatives have been consulted to evaluate potential public safety risks tied to extended hours. The committee’s decision will be announced following a formal hearing in the coming weeks, as reported by The Barking and Dagenham Post.
How does this application fit within the broader context of nightlife in Dagenham and beyond?
The CEO Lounge’s bid to extend opening hours aligns with a wider trend seen across Greater London and the UK, where nightlife venues are applying for longer licenses post-pandemic. This is often motivated by efforts to recover financially after lockdown-related closures and accommodate shifting social behaviour favouring later night entertainment. The venue’s application exemplifies a balancing act many councils now face between supporting economic recovery and addressing public nuisance concerns, reflecting the changing dynamics of urban nightlife.
What is the significance of The CEO Lounge in Dagenham’s nightlife scene?
As detailed on The CEO Lounge’s official website and supported by customer reviews seen on platforms like OpenTable, the lounge has established a strong reputation for offering authentic Afro-Fusion cuisine alongside curated entertainment experiences. It serves as a cultural hub promoting luxury and community engagement within Dagenham’s diverse population. The proposed extension could further cement its position as a key player in the local hospitality industry.
