The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 114 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8AA. The meeting documents outline the application details, representations received from various parties including the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police, and relevant policy considerations.

New Premises Licence Application for 114 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8AA

The primary focus of the meeting is the application for a new premises licence for 114 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8AA. The applicant, Delprit Singh Arora, has applied for permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption between 08:00 and 23:00, seven days a week. The proposed opening hours for the premises are also Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 23:00.

The application has generated significant interest, with numerous objections and representations submitted. These include representations from the Licensing Authority, the Metropolitan Police, the Community Safety team, Councillor Zarar Qayyum, the Caxton Village Tenants and Residents Association (CVTRA), and a substantial number of local residents.

The core of the objections centres on the potential impact of an additional off-licence in an area already experiencing significant issues related to alcohol consumption, crime, and public nuisance. Concerns are raised about the cumulative impact of existing licensed premises in the Shepherd's Bush Green Ward, an area described as having significant challenges associated with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, street drinking, crime and public nuisance.

The Metropolitan Police, through PC Charlotte Bennett and PC Samuel Locking, have lodged objections based on the grounds that the application fails to promote the licensing objective of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder. They highlight persistent issues within the Shepherd's Bush Green Ward, including high levels of recorded crime, anti-anti-social behaviour, street drinking, drug misuse, and acquisitive crime. The police note that Shepherd's Bush Green has the highest levels of recorded crime compared to other wards in Hammersmith and Fulham, creating a challenging operating environment.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Adrian Overton, Licensing Team Manager, has also made a representation against the application. Their concerns are that granting the licence would undermine the licensing objectives of the Prevention of Public Nuisance and the Prevention of Crime and Disorder. They point to the locality being within Shepherd's Bush Green Ward, where the Council and Metropolitan Police face ongoing challenges with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Local residents and community groups, including the Caxton Village Tenants and Residents Association (CVTRA), have expressed strong opposition. Their representations detail concerns about increased street drinking, congregation, noise, litter, and the potential for exacerbating existing anti-social behaviour. The proximity of the proposed premises to residential streets like Caxton Road and Sterne Street, as well as Shepherd's Bush Green itself, is a significant point of concern. Residents have provided detailed accounts of their experiences with public nuisance and crime in the area, highlighting the impact on their quality of life and safety.

The report pack also includes policy considerations from the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy (SLP) 2022-2027. These policies outline the council's approach to promoting the four licensing objectives and the requirements for applicants to demonstrate how they will manage risks specific to the locality. The SLP emphasises the importance of applicants understanding crime and disorder hotspots, proximity to residential premises, and participation in local initiatives.

The committee will consider the applicant's proposed operating schedule, which includes measures such as a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV installation, and staff training in responsible alcohol retailing. However, objectors argue that these standard measures may not adequately address the specific, heightened risks associated with this particular location.

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider the application. The decision will be made with regard to the representations received, the applicant's operating schedule, the Council's SLP, and the Secretary of State's Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The meeting is scheduled to be held remotely, and members of the public can watch it live on YouTube. Speaking at licensing meetings is restricted to those who have registered to speak.