The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Thursday 16 October 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence for 369 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, HA5 4JN, by SS Party Ventures Limited. The application, which proposed a bar and restaurant, was met with significant public objection, leading to a hearing where numerous concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on licensing objectives. After extensive discussion and consideration of representations from the applicant, objectors, and responsible authorities, the panel made a decision on the licence.

Application for a New Premises Licence for 369 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a new premises licence for 369 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, HA5 4JN, submitted by SS Party Ventures Limited. The applicant proposed to open a restaurant with a bar, seeking authorisation for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, performance of dance, recorded music, exhibition of films, and live music.

The application generated considerable public concern, with 56 representations received from local residents and one from the Licensing Authority. These objections primarily focused on the potential for the premises to undermine the licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Key Issues and Discussions:

• Operating Hours: The applicant initially requested hours until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 am on other weekdays. Objectors and the Licensing Authority argued these hours were excessive for the residential area and would exacerbate existing issues with noise, anti-social behaviour, and litter. The applicant, in response to representations from the Hatch End Residents Association, agreed to a closing time of midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 1 am on Friday and Saturday, with licensable activities ceasing 30 minutes before closing.

• Restaurant Operation: The Licensing Authority proposed a stricter restaurant condition to prevent the premises from operating as a bar. This condition stipulated that alcohol could only be served to seated customers taking a substantial table meal, with service by waiting staff, and alcohol being ancillary to the meal. The applicant agreed to this amendment, confirming the deletion of bar menu (appetisers and snacks) from the condition.

• Capacity: The Licensing Authority recommended a maximum capacity of 60 persons, citing concerns about overcrowding and public safety, particularly in light of an email from the Fire Authority suggesting a need for a revised Fire Risk Assessment. The applicant countered that their fire safety assessment indicated a capacity of 120 and that the figure of 60 seemed arbitrary. The applicant committed to commissioning a fresh Fire Risk Assessment.

• Noise and Nuisance: Residents and the Hatch End Residents Association raised significant concerns about noise from music, patrons leaving the premises, and waste collection. The applicant agreed to a noise limiter and anti-vibration mountings for speakers. Conditions were also discussed regarding keeping windows and doors closed after 10 pm, the provision of an acoustic lobby, and the management of waste collection times.

• Private Hire Events: The Licensing Authority requested restrictions on private hire events, particularly those involving under-18s, and a requirement for 14 days' notice and an Event Management Plan for high-risk events. The applicant agreed to restrictions on events for under-18s.

• Smoking Area: Concerns were raised about the proposed location of the smoking area. The applicant clarified that their intention was for the smoking area to be at the front of the premises, and agreed to amend Condition 10 of the police-agreed conditions to reflect this, removing the option of a rear smoking area.

• Parking and Traffic: Numerous objectors highlighted issues with traffic congestion, inconsiderate parking, and the obstruction of pavements by vehicles and loitering patrons. The applicant's legal representative argued that parking is not a relevant consideration for the Licensing Panel under the Licensing Act 2003.

• Planning Permission: It was noted that while planning permission existed for a restaurant (Class E use), a bar is considered a separate user class, meaning the applicant did not have specific planning permission for a bar use.

Decision:

The Licensing Panel considered all representations and arguments presented. The decision on the application for the new premises licence was reserved and would be communicated in writing within five working days of the hearing.