The Licensing Sub-Committee of Ealing Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 and refused a new premises licence application for Hot Birdies Southall. The committee considered the application, representations from a local resident, and the operating schedule.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Hot Birdies Southall

The Licensing Sub-Committee refused the application for a new Premises Licence for Hot Birdies Southall, located at 150 The Broadway, Southall, UB1 1QN. The application sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 02:00, Monday to Sunday.

The Sub-Committee's decision to refuse the licence was based on several concerns. They noted that the premises is situated within a Special Policy Area¹, which is designated due to specific local issues related to late-night activity. The committee was not satisfied that the applicant's representative demonstrated a sufficient understanding of the area's sensitivities or how the proposed operation would mitigate risks. Specifically, the representative was unable to provide clear answers regarding the Special Policy Area, cumulative local issues, or practical risk management strategies. The absence of the applicant themselves at the hearing further contributed to the committee's lack of confidence in the applicant's understanding of the licensing objectives and practical operational challenges.

Further concerns were raised regarding the lack of a written dispersal policy, a clear strategy for managing third-party delivery riders, and insufficient detail on litter management and nuisance mitigation. The Sub-Committee also noted the absence of evidence of operational experience in providing late-night refreshment beyond 23:00.

The written representation from local resident Ms Hanan Mussa was given significant weight. Ms Mussa raised concerns about late-night noise, delivery riders, customer dispersal, litter, and the impact on residents, particularly those living directly above the premises. The Sub-Committee was not convinced that the applicant had adequately addressed these concerns or outlined how they would engage with residents if problems arose.

A particular point of concern was the management of third-party delivery drivers. The representative's responses suggested a limited approach to preventing nuisance, disturbance, loitering, engine noise, or obstruction caused by delivery activities. The Sub-Committee also found the approach to litter management outside the premises to be insufficiently clear or enforceable.

While the applicant's representative expressed willingness to work with the Council and agree to additional conditions, the Sub-Committee concluded that conditions alone would not be sufficient. The decision was influenced not only by the operating schedule but also by the representative's demonstrated lack of understanding and practical control measures for operating late-night refreshment in a sensitive area until 02:00.

Consequently, the Sub-Committee determined that refusing the application was appropriate and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder.