The Licensing Sub-Committee of Ealing Council was scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence for Magic Masala, a restaurant located in Greenford. The committee was also provided with a procedure guidance note for hearings.

Application to Vary Premises Licence for Magic Masala

The committee was scheduled to consider an application from DN Flames Ltd, trading as Magic Masala, to vary the premises licence for their establishment at Unit 4 Red Lion Court, 1B The Broadway, Greenford, UB6 9FJ. The proposed variation sought to extend the licensable activities, including the retail sale of alcohol, performance of dance, entertainment similar to music and dance, late-night refreshment, live music, and recorded music.

The proposed new hours for the retail sale of alcohol would be Monday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 00:30, and Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 01:30. For dance performances and entertainment similar to music and dance, the proposed hours were Monday to Tuesday from 23:00 to 01:00, and Wednesday to Sunday from 23:00 to 02:00. Late-night refreshment would be available from 23:00 to 01:00 on Monday and Tuesday, and 23:00 to 02:00 from Wednesday to Sunday. Live music would be permitted from 23:00 to 01:00 daily, and recorded music from 23:00 to 01:00 on Monday and Tuesday, and 23:00 to 02:00 from Wednesday to Sunday. The overall opening hours for the premises were proposed to be from 10:00 to 01:00 on Monday and Tuesday, and 10:00 to 02:00 from Wednesday to Sunday.

The report pack indicated that two representations had been received regarding this application: one from the Ealing Council Noise and Nuisance Team and another from the Ealing Council Licensing Enforcement and Compliance Team. Both representations raised concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder.

The committee was asked to consider the application, the representations received, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ in relation to the proposals. The possible outcomes for the committee were to:

• Grant the application in full.
• Grant the application subject to conditions consistent with the operating schedule.
• Grant the application subject to revised conditions consistent with modifications to the operating schedule as are necessary to promote the licensing objectives.
• Reject the application in part or in full.

The report pack noted that the premises are located within a Special Policy Area² as defined in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The applicant stated that they had invested £30,000 in professional soundproofing and had voluntarily limited capacity to 25 guests. They also highlighted that small businesses are vital to the economy and requested the variation to extend operating hours to remain competitive and create employment opportunities.

Panel Procedure Guidance Note

The committee was also scheduled to consider a Panel Procedure Guidance Note³, which outlines the procedure to be followed at Licensing Sub-Committee hearings. This guidance details how applications are presented, how representations are made, and the process for summing up cases before the committee retires to make a decision.