The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council met on Monday 20 April 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Grasshoppers RFC in Isleworth. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the council's licensing policy and procedures for panel hearings.

Application for Premises Licence: London Spark at Grasshoppers RFC

The primary focus of the meeting was the consideration of an application for a premises licence for London Spark at Grasshoppers RFC, located at Syon Lane, Isleworth, TW7 5PN. The application sought to permit the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, outdoor live music, and other similar outdoor entertainment on Sundays between 10:00 and 20:00, with the premises opening hours requested to be from 11:30 to 20:00 on Sundays.

The report pack detailed the applicant's operating schedule, outlining proposed measures to promote 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 measures included the appointment of SIA-licensed security contractors, ticketed events with bag searches, on-site ambulance and paramedic teams, and procedures for lost children.

The meeting was scheduled to consider representations received from other persons regarding the application. These representations, detailed in Appendix B of the report pack, raised concerns about the potential impact of the event on public safety, noise levels, and public nuisance, particularly given the proximity of the venue to residential areas. Specific conditions were requested, including limitations on attendee numbers, stricter noise level controls, relocation of the stage, and revised operating hours. The applicant's responses to these representations were also included for consideration.

The panel had the following options open to them: to grant the application in full, to grant the application with modifications to address representations, or to reject the application in whole or in part.

Licensing Act 2003 and Hounslow's Statement of Licensing Policy

The meeting also included a review of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Hounslow Statement of Licensing Policy 2025¹. This policy document outlines the principles the council applies when considering licence applications, with the aim of promoting the four licensing objectives. It details the council's approach to various aspects of licensing, including integration with other policies, local context, cumulative impact, temporary event notices, personal licences, and enforcement. The policy also provides guidance on managing risks associated with alcohol sales, noise, public nuisance, and the protection of children.

Licensing Panel Procedure

The agenda also included a review of the Licensing Panel Procedure² and the Order of Business³ for panel hearings. These documents outline the established protocols for conducting panel meetings, including the appointment of a chair, the order in which agenda items are addressed, the rights of applicants and those making representations, and the decision-making process.