The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Sipsmith Limited. The meeting's agenda also included procedural items such as the appointment of a chair and a note on declarations of interest.

Application for a Premises Licence for Sipsmith Limited

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Sipsmith Limited, located at 83 Cranbrook Road, Chiswick, W4 2LJ. The report pack indicated that the panel was requested to determine this application.

The application sought to allow the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between Monday and Saturday, from 12:00 to 21:00. The proposed opening hours for the premises were Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 21:30.

The report pack detailed the operating schedule proposed by Sipsmith Limited, which included conditions aimed at promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These proposed conditions included measures such as the installation of a CCTV system, the requirement for off-sales to be in sealed containers, and the escorting of guests to the main gates when leaving to minimise disturbance to local residents. Specific conditions were also outlined regarding the number of smokers permitted outside and the implementation of a Challenge 25 scheme for age verification. Alcohol for consumption on the premises was to be supplied only to persons attending pre-booked tours or private pre-booked tours, with limits on the number of tours per day and attendees per tour.

The report also highlighted that the application had been advertised, and that consultations had taken place with responsible authorities and neighbouring residents. It noted that there had been 41 representations from interested parties concerned about potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance, alongside one petition with 53 signatures in support of the application. The Metropolitan Police had not made a representation and had agreed to the proposed hours and conditions.

The panel was presented with options to either grant the application in full, grant it with modifications to satisfy representations and promote licensing objectives, or reject the application in whole or in part.

Reference documents were provided to assist the panel's consideration, including the order of business, the procedure for panel hearings, and the Hounslow Licensing Policy 2020-2025. The Hounslow Licensing Policy outlines the council's approach to licensing, emphasizing the promotion of the four licensing objectives and providing guidance on various operational considerations, including core licensing hours, off-sales, planning status, and external areas. The policy also details the council's approach to cumulative impact, noting specific areas within Hounslow, Isleworth, and Heston where a special policy applies, requiring applicants to demonstrate that their proposals will not add to existing cumulative impacts.

The report pack also included extensive representations from residents objecting to the application, citing concerns about public nuisance, public safety, increased traffic, noise, and the potential for the premises to become an events venue. These representations frequently referenced the history of the premises' licensing, including previous objections and assurances given by the applicant. There was also one representation in support of the application. The police had agreed to the proposed conditions, which were attached as Appendix E.