The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 13 February 2024 to consider an application for a new premises licence for IZZY FOOD CENTRE. The panel decided to grant the licence with modified conditions.

Application for New Premises Licence for IZZY FOOD CENTRE

The panel granted a new premises licence for IZZY FOOD CENTRE, located at 380 Kenton Road, Harrow, HA3 8DP, allowing for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This decision followed a detailed consideration of written and oral representations from the applicant and numerous objectors, as well as the relevant legislation and council policies.

The applicant, C.B. Market Ltd, represented by Claudiu Baroti, proposed the premises would operate as a convenience store selling food and drinks, including alcohol for off-site consumption. They argued that the business would benefit the local neighbourhood, create employment, and that the proposed conditions, as agreed with licensing and the police, were adequate to promote the licensing objectives. The applicant highlighted the experience of the designated premises supervisor (DPS), the implementation of a Challenge 25 policy, and the provision of CCTV. Crime statistics for the area were also presented, indicating a low level of reported incidents.

However, the panel heard from numerous objectors, including local residents and councillors, who raised concerns related to all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Key concerns included potential increases in street drinking, anti-social behaviour (ASB), littering, noise, and the impact on vulnerable groups, such as children attending nearby schools and nurseries, and those using the Shree Swaminarayan Temple¹. Objectors argued that a 24-hour alcohol licence was inappropriate for the location and would exacerbate existing issues.

The panel carefully considered all representations and evidence. While acknowledging the objectors' concerns, the panel noted that no representations were received from responsible authorities. The licensing authority and the police had agreed on a set of conditions with the applicant. The panel ultimately decided to grant the licence but modified the conditions to further promote the licensing objectives. These modified conditions included:

• Strict implementation of the Challenge 25 policy, with staff training and a log of age-related refusals.
• Regular training for all staff in responsible alcohol retailing, with training manuals and logs available.
• Installation and maintenance of CCTV covering internal and external areas, with footage stored for a minimum of 31 days and immediately available to police or licensing officers.
• Display of notices and verbal instructions to customers to leave the premises and area quietly, to avoid disturbing the neighbourhood.
• A minimum of two members of staff on duty between 22:00 and 06:00.
• Prohibition of the sale of single bottles or cans of beer or cider, and no miniature bottles of spirits.
• Restrictions on the movement of rubbish between 23:00 and 06:00.
• All deliveries to be carried out between 07:00 and 22:00 in a manner that does not impact neighbouring properties.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, with Councillor Janet Mote and Councillor Natasha Proctor also in attendance. The meeting commenced at 6:55 pm and concluded at 8:50 pm.