A pizza restaurant’s late night licence application is hanging in the balance as police have warned of public urination and drunks disturbing neighbours.

Owner of Crave,  in Ley Street, Ilford,  Mohammed Tamim said the business, which has applied to open until 4am, will focus on online delivery orders.

However, police licensing officer PC Michael Neal told Redbridge Council’s licensing sub-committee today it would be “impossible” to control people who walk in from the street.

PC Neal said: “Police believe people will be drunk, there will be violence, urination, shouting and gathering in groups.”

Suggesting a closing time of 2am for deliveries only, PC Neal said it would be difficult to keep customers quiet in the mostly residential area.

When asked how he would stop noise from delivery drivers’ scooters and slamming car doors, Mr Tamim said Crave would “tell them to be quiet”.

All walk-in orders would have to be placed by phone, said the owner, who said nearby takeaways with late licenses haven’t caused issues.

He added: “We would be happy to work with the police and licensing to stay open to 2am. We don’t want to add to any problems there already are in the area.”

Crave is 30 metres outside Redbridge’s Cumulative Impact Zone, where the council aims to limit new late-night businesses due to existing problems, the committee heard.

According to the council’s licensing policy, there should be “robust conditions” for businesses operating outside the framework hours of 10am to 11:30pm Mondays to Thursdays, or 10am to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

The committee will announce their decision within five days.