The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence. The meeting's agenda indicates that the primary item for discussion will be an application submitted by Mr Hamid Farooqi for a new premises licence for The Lodge, located at Kingsbury Road, NW9 9HA.

Application for a New Premises Licence at The Lodge

The main focus of the meeting is the application for a new premises licence for The Lodge, located at Kingsbury Road, NW9 9HA. The application has been submitted by Mr Hamid Farooqi and is being considered under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The application seeks permission for the provision of late-night refreshment from 11:00 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises would also be open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant has stated that the premises will operate as a restaurant offering pizza, kebabs, and Arabic cuisine, with no alcohol, shisha, or regulated entertainment to be provided. Takeaway services are scheduled to cease by 10:00 pm.

The report pack indicates that representations have been received and subsequently withdrawn from the Police and the Licensing Officer. However, outstanding representations remain from local residents. The applicant, Mr Farooqi, has stated that he has unconditionally accepted all of the conditions proposed by the Metropolitan Police. These conditions include measures such as a digital CCTV system, an incident log, notices for customers to respect residents, a prohibition on shisha, restrictions on music to background levels only, and waiter service to seated customers. The Police have confirmed that, following the acceptance of these conditions, they have withdrawn their representation and have no objections to the venue operating with these conditions in place.

Several local residents and a residents' association have submitted objections to the application. These objections primarily relate to concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. Concerns have been raised regarding the historical operation of the premises, including previous noise nuisance, breaches of licence conditions, and anti-social behaviour. Objectors have also highlighted the sensitive location of The Lodge within Roe Green Park and its proximity to residential properties, expressing worries about potential noise and disturbance from customers, vehicles, and late-night activity. The current condition of the premises and grounds has also been cited as a concern.

Mr Farooqi has responded to these objections, clarifying that the application is for a food-led restaurant and not for an alcohol licence. He has emphasised that takeaway services will end at 10:00 pm daily, and the late-night refreshment hours on Fridays and Saturdays are for indoor restaurant service only. He has also highlighted the comprehensive safeguards agreed with the Police and Brent Council's Licensing Authority, both of whom have withdrawn their representations. Mr Farooqi has also addressed concerns about the previous operation, stating that problems arose during a period when he was unwell and out of the country, and that a former operator, Mr Gokcan Algul, is now explicitly excluded from involvement in the premises under the agreed conditions.

The meeting documents also include correspondence from the applicant and the Metropolitan Police regarding the proposed conditions for the licence. The applicant has accepted a comprehensive set of conditions proposed by the Police, which are intended to mitigate potential issues related to crime, disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. The applicant has also engaged with Brent Council's Licensing Authority regarding additional proposed conditions.

The agenda for the meeting also includes standard procedural items such as apologies for absence and declarations of interest.