The Licensing Sub-Committee of Ealing Council met on Thursday, 19 June 2025, to consider a summary review application related to AL SHORFA, and to note apologies for absence and declarations of interest. The meeting also included a review of panel procedures. The meeting was held virtually and was available to be viewed via a live webcast on YouTube.

Summary Review: Al Shorfa Ltd, Centre House, St Leonards Road

The primary item for discussion was a summary review application for the premises licence held by Al Shorfa Ltd, located at 1-2 Centre House, St Leonards Road, NW10 6ST in North Acton. The application for the review was submitted by the Metropolitan Police following an incident of serious crime and disorder that occurred at the premises on Monday, 9 June 2025, at 22:40 hours.

According to the report pack, Police Constable Victoria Hewison of the Metropolitan Police Service applied for the review under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, asserting that the premises are associated with serious crime and disorder. A certificate confirming this opinion was provided by a Police Superintendent.

The incident leading to the review involved a violent attack on three victims, who sustained injuries from weapons, including a baseball bat and a metal pole. Rehan Ahmed Imitiaz, the Premises Licence Holder (PLH) and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) of Al Shorfa, was among those arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning to GBH, threats to kill, and possession of drugs.

CCTV footage reportedly showed Mr Ahmed and associates with a baseball bat prior to the victims' arrival. The police investigation suggested the attack was premeditated, with one victim stating they had been asked to return to the premises to discuss a previous incident.

The police licensing team stated that the incident demonstrated a disregard for the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. The police requested interim steps, including the possible suspension of the premises licence.

The report pack included detailed accounts of the incident, witness statements, forensic evidence, and investigation summaries. It also referenced the premises licence, 24LIC15591PREM, which authorised various licensable activities, including the retail sale of alcohol, performance of dance, late night refreshment, live music, and recorded music. The licence also specified premises opening hours and conditions related to crime prevention, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the summary review application and determine whether to take any interim steps, which could include:

• modification of the conditions of the premises licence
• exclusion of the sale of alcohol by retail from the scope of the licence
• removal of the designated premises supervisor from the licence
• suspension of the licence