The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to discuss licensing procedures and consider an application for a street trading licence. The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a street trading licence by Sultan's Food Limited, trading as Shah's Halal Food Cart, which generated significant public and official objection.

Licensing Procedures

The panel was scheduled to review the procedures that would be followed during an oral hearing, as outlined in the Licensing Procedures document. This included the order of introductions, presentations, questioning, and the process for reaching and delivering a decision. The procedures covered both standard oral hearings and those for reviewing premises licences.

Licensing Panel Hearing: Shahs Halal Food, 230 Northolt Road, South Harrow, HA2 8DU

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new street trading licence for a mobile halal food trading unit operated by Sultan's Food Limited, trading as Shah's Halal Food Cart, located outside Shahs Halal Food at 230 Northolt Road, South Harrow, HA2 8DU.

The application sought authorisation for trading Monday to Sunday between 11:00 and 21:00, involving the preparation and sale of hot food and refreshments. The unit was proposed to operate from a private forecourt area, but adjacent to the public highway.

A significant number of representations were received concerning this application, including twelve from members of the public, one from the Council's Licensing Authority, and one from the Council's Commercial Safety Team.

Concerns raised by members of the public and local businesses included:

• Obstruction and Access: The food van was reported to obstruct the pavement, access routes to neighbouring properties, and visibility for pedestrians and motorists.
• Litter and Waste Management: Accumulation of waste and litter around the unit was a recurring issue, with concerns about hygiene, health hazards, and potential attraction of vermin.
• Environmental Impact: There were specific concerns about the inappropriate disposal of wastewater, with reports of untreated wastewater being discharged into a nearby gulley, polluting local waterways. The Harrow Council Commercial Safety Team highlighted this as a significant environmental concern, recommending conditions such as the installation and maintenance of a grease trap and the requirement for a valid waste carrier's licence.
• Nuisance: Strong cooking odours affecting nearby homes and shops, and the potential for the operation to attract anti-social behaviour and unwelcome activity were cited.
• Suitability of Location: The overall suitability of the proposed trading location was questioned due to its impact on the visual amenity of the area, making it feel cluttered, unattractive, unsafe and poorly maintained.
• Previous Non-Compliance: Allegations were made that the food van had been operating for a considerable period without a licence, raising concerns about the applicant's compliance history.
• Highway Safety: The positioning of the unit was noted to restrict visibility for vehicles exiting a service road and for pedestrians, creating a potential safety hazard.
• Market Saturation: Concerns were raised that the area already had sufficient hot food provision, and this additional stall would not offer unique value or community benefit.

The report also referenced Harrow Council's Street and Shop Front Trading Policy, which aims to balance economic vibrancy with public safety, prevention of nuisance, and protection of local amenity. The policy outlines criteria for granting licences, including the suitability of the location, impact on neighbours, and compliance with regulations.

The options available to the panel were to grant the licence as applied for, grant it with conditions, grant it with amendments, or refuse the application. The report noted that clear reasons would be required for any decision made.