Officials have postponed a licence review for a restaurant plagued by noise complaints with less than 48 hours' notice. 

Array Essex, which Love Island star Kem Cetinay opened in 2021 with business partner Nadir Gul, was due to face a licence review today (Wednesday) after a series of noise and anti-social behaviour complaints.

The review comes after a 33-year-old man was taken to hospital after being found with stab wounds outside the Shepherds Hill venue.

But the hearing was postponed after it emerged all parties needed the correct notice period for a "fair and legal hearing".

The review was called for by Harold Wood ward councillors Brian Eagling, Darren Wise and Martin Goode. It is claimed in a report on the council’s website that for more than 18 months, Shepherds Hill residents "have been continually affected by the premises’ alleged failure to promote the licensing objectives".

Array however claimed in a statement that it tries “to be a good neighbour”. 

In an email sent on Monday (November 14), seen by the Recorder, the council told all parties involved that the date for the meeting had been changed from Wednesday (November 16) to December 1. 

The email explains the delay is necessary “in order to allow for the correct notice period to be given to all parties to allow for a fair and legal hearing”. 

Romford Recorder: Kem Cetinay and Nadir Gul co-founded ArrayKem Cetinay and Nadir Gul co-founded Array (Image: Sally Patterson)

In response, Cllr Wise told this paper: “I am very disappointed with the council for moving the licensing meeting with less than 48 hours' notice.  

“There are a number of residents that have booked annual leave (including myself) to be at this meeting and some other residents even changed holiday dates to be at the meeting.  

“Residents have contacted me to complain about the incompetence of the council by not giving the correct notice period to all parties.” 

Romford Recorder: Cllr Darren Wise said he was one of those to take annual leave to attend the delayed licensing committee meetingCllr Darren Wise said he was one of those to take annual leave to attend the delayed licensing committee meeting (Image: Darren Wise)

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they knew of “lots” of people who had taken leave from work, with one couple allegedly returning home from holiday early to attend. 

Cllr Wise added: “This review of the licence has been known about for weeks so surely there should be checks and balances to ensure all parties have been notified about the meeting.  

“It’s not the first time that a licence has been reviewed.”  

A Havering Council spokesperson confirmed the change of date, and that it was done to “ensure a legally correct hearing is held for the benefit of all parties”. 

“There are no other changes to the arrangements and all submissions received for the original date will remain valid,” they added. “All parties have been notified.” 

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