The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council met on Wednesday 21 February 2024 to consider an application for a premises licence for Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club. The meeting's agenda also included procedural items and reference documents for the panel's consideration.

Application for a Premises Licence at Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club, located at Syon Lane, Osterley, Isleworth, TW7 5PN. The application, submitted by UK Entertainment Group Ltd, sought to allow for the supply of alcohol, live and recorded music, performances of dance, and other similar regulated entertainment, as well as the provision of late-night refreshment. The proposed operating hours for the supply of alcohol were Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 21:30 or 22:00, with live and recorded music and performances of dance scheduled from 12:00 to 22:00 or 22:30. The premises' opening hours were proposed to be from 12:00 to 22:00 or 22:30.

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 plans for security management, SIA-licensed staff deployment, a robust drugs policy, a no glass policy, and a noise management plan with a qualified noise consultant. The application also proposed an Over 18s only policy, with ID checks for anyone appearing under 25, and a Challenge 25 policy at bar outlets.

The council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ was provided as a reference document, outlining the council's approach to licensing applications and the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The application had attracted significant public interest, with 43 representations against the application and two in support. Those objecting raised concerns about potential noise nuisance, public nuisance, anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion, and inadequate parking. One representation was received from Pollution Control, also citing concerns about noise nuisance due to the proximity of residential properties. The report indicated that Licensing Enforcement had not submitted a formal representation but had suggested conditions to be added to the licence, which the applicant had agreed to.

The panel was presented with three options: to grant the application in full, to grant it with modifications, or to reject it in whole or in part.