The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Wednesday 4 March 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Koocina, a late-night refreshment establishment at 794 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5SL. After reviewing the application, representations from local residents, and the applicant's responses, the committee decided to grant the licence with modified hours and conditions.

Koocina Premises Licence Application

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Koocina, located at 794 Fulham Road, London SW6 5SL, to operate as a late-night refreshment establishment. The applicant, Faizan Karim, sought to offer indoor late-night refreshment from Monday to Thursday between 23:00 and 00:00, and on Fridays and Saturdays between 23:00 and 00:30, and on Sundays between 23:00 and 23:30. The premises would be open to the public from 08:00 to 00:00 on Mondays to Thursdays, 08:00 to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 08:00 to 23:30 on Sundays.

Decision: The committee decided to grant the application with modified hours and conditions. The approved hours for late-night refreshment were Monday to Thursday from 23:00 to 00:00, Friday to Saturday from 23:00 to 00:30, and Sunday from 23:00 to 23:30. The hours open to the public were set as Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 00:00, Friday to Saturday 08:00 to 00:30, and Sunday 08:00 to 23:30. A total of 13 representations were received from local residents objecting to the application, primarily citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance.

Arguments for the Application: The applicant, represented by Aswad Iftikhar, argued that the premises had a history of operating as a takeaway and café without significant issues. They submitted a supporting statement detailing measures to uphold the licensing objectives, including CCTV coverage, incident logs, staff training, and a dispersal policy. The applicant also highlighted that the kitchen was located in the basement with soundproofing and that during late-night hours, only reheating of pre-cooked food would occur, with no cooking or frying. They proposed that all delivery collections would take place inside the premises and that they would prioritise using their own electric bike for deliveries to minimise noise and emissions. The applicant also stated their commitment to cooperating with local residents, the Police, and Council Officers.

Arguments Against the Application: Numerous local residents submitted objections, expressing significant concerns. A primary concern was the potential for increased crime and disorder, with residents fearing the establishment would attract rowdy customers from nearby public houses and become a magnet for them. Public safety was also a major issue, with the premises being located directly in front of a zebra crossing and on a corner with busy traffic, raising fears of obstruction, congestion, and accidents, particularly from delivery drivers and waiting customers. Residents also voiced strong objections regarding public nuisance, citing potential noise from customers, delivery drivers, and extractor vents, as well as increased litter and the attraction of pests. Concerns were also raised about the impact on residential amenity, the character of the area, and the potential devaluation of property. Some objectors also highlighted the proximity to a local school and the potential health implications for children.

Conditions and Modifications: The Metropolitan Police agreed to specific conditions with the applicant, which were incorporated into the decision. These included requirements for CCTV systems, daily incident logs, a welfare and safeguarding policy, a refusals log, and staff training. Prominent notices were to be displayed requesting customers and delivery drivers to respect local residents and leave quietly. The licence holder was also required to ensure delivery drivers do not congregate outside the premises and minimise noise and disturbance.

The committee's decision to grant the licence with modified hours and conditions aimed to balance the applicant's desire to operate with the concerns raised by the local community, ensuring the promotion of the four licensing objectives.