A PETITION to block a restaurant from selling alcohol late into the night has been launched.

Marmelo Kitchen, in Francis Road, Leyton, wants to sell drinks from 8am to 11pm every day.

But Ahmed Vania, who lives in Murchison Road, near the restaurant, has objected to the application.

He launched a petition against the plans which has been signed by 24 neighbours. 

In a letter to Waltham Forest Council’s licensing sub-committee, he said: “The application is misleading as it specifies the address as being the rear of 216 Francis Road, implying that the commercial activity will take place on that road when in reality a hundred per cent of the activity will be undertaken on the residential Murchison Road.

“The nature of the business will bring further disruption to the area, with more parking constraints, people drinking on the street, glasses and bottles left on the street, late night music, noise during closing time and not to mention the anti-social nature that excessive alcohol usage does have.

“There is also an open space adjacent to the premises which is regularly used by passersby as a toilet.”

Marmelo Kitchen owner Natalie Stopford said due to increased demand from customers, part of the business is expanding to a premises on the corner of Francis Road and Murchison Road.

She said: “We are a small family-owned community restaurant.

“There are lots of young families in the neighbourhood and they have asked us to open at a new location and to be open more hours and more days.

“Our kitchen closes at 9pm and the latest anyone is going to be there is 10.30pm.”

The licensing sub-committee will make a decision on Monday, August 1.