The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council met on Monday 06 January 2025 and approved a recommendation for a temporary street trading licence for Healthy Bite, located at 253 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick. The panel also appointed Councillor Aftab Siddiqui as Chair for the meeting.

Healthy Bite Temporary Street Trading Licence Approved

The Licensing Panel approved the application for a temporary street trading licence for Healthy Bite, located at 253 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick. The licence permits the operation of a stall selling hot food from Monday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 16:00.

The decision followed a hearing where the panel considered three objections from a ward councillor and members of the public. Concerns raised included food safety and hygiene, competition with existing brick-and-mortar businesses, potential impact on the amenity of the area, public safety, and nuisance from noise and smell. Objectors also cited issues with pavement obstruction, litter, and fire safety due to the use of gas canisters.

However, the panel noted that the Food Safety team had raised no objections and had awarded the site a four-star food safety rating. The applicant provided evidence of a gas safety certificate, a Level 2 certificate in food safety and hygiene, and a waste collection contract. The applicant had also been trading at the site since 2020 under previous temporary licences.

The panel considered the pavement width to be sufficient, with 8 metres available and a minimum of 1.8 metres remaining unobstructed, satisfying condition 2 of the street trading conditions. They also noted the applicant's waste disposal arrangements and the lack of official complaints regarding parking.

The panel concluded that the Act provided discretion in issuing temporary licences and that Hounslow Council's Street Trading Policy¹ was considered. The policy outlines considerations for public safety, crime prevention, public nuisance, the suitability of the stall, and environmental credentials, as well as the needs of the area.

The decision to grant the licence was made after careful consideration of all representations and relevant material, including the London Local Authorities Act 1990 (as amended)² and Hounslow Council's Street Trading Policy. Standard conditions 48 and 49 of the temporary street trading licence were deleted as part of the decision. The applicant was reminded of their responsibility to comply with all food safety and hygiene requirements.

Appointment of Chair

Councillor Aftab Siddiqui was appointed as the Chair for the meeting. He thanked Councillor Gabriella Giles and Councillor Samina Nagra for their attendance.

Monitoring Officer Note on Interests

The Licensing Panel was presented with a Monitoring Officer Note on Interests. The outcome of this item was For Determination, indicating that the panel would consider any declarations of interest made by members.