The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Monday 30 July 2018 to discuss licensing procedures and a specific application for a new premises licence. The meeting was scheduled to consider the procedure for oral hearings and to review an application for Bianca's Kitchen in Pinner.

Licensing Procedures

The panel was scheduled to review the procedure to be followed at an oral hearing. This procedure, outlined in the report pack, details the steps involved in conducting such hearings, including introductions, presentations by officers, applicants, and objectors, followed by questioning and concluding statements. The process allows for the panel to withdraw to consider the application and then reconvene to announce its decision, providing reasons if the application is refused or conditions are placed on the licence.

Bianca's Kitchen, 8 Whittington Way, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 5JT

A significant item on the agenda was the application for a new premises licence for Bianca's Kitchen, located at 8 Whittington Way, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 5JT. The application, submitted by Bianca Ailincai, sought to allow for the sale of retail alcohol and late-night refreshment, with proposed hours extending until 2:00 AM on weekdays and weekends, and the premises to be open to the public until 2:30 AM.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received from several local residents. These representations primarily focused on concerns about the potential undermining of the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance. Residents expressed worries that the extended hours and the nature of the business could lead to increased noise and disturbance, impacting the peaceful amenity of their residences. Some also raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety, citing the proximity of residential flats and houses, existing licensed premises in the area, and potential parking issues.

The report pack detailed the proposed licensable activities, including the sale of retail alcohol and late-night refreshment, with specific hours outlined for each day of the week. It also described the premises as a small restaurant situated on the ground floor of a parade of shops, with residential flats located above. The history of the premises was noted, including a previous licence for alcohol sales that was surrendered in 2015.

The report also highlighted the steps the applicant intended to take to promote the licensing objectives, such as the installation of a CCTV system, a notice reminding customers to leave quietly, and a Challenge 21 policy to prevent underage sales. The council's licensing policy was referenced, which includes considerations such as noise reduction measures, control of external areas, and management of waste.

The panel was to consider the application in light of the Licensing Act 2003¹ and relevant guidance, including the council's statement of licensing policy. The report indicated that the panel had the discretion to modify conditions, reject the application in whole or in part, and that any decision would require clear reasons.