The Licensing Sub-Committee of Ealing Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for OJRL LTD, located at 35 Bond Street, Ealing, W5 5AS. The meeting's agenda also included procedural matters.

Application for a Premises Licence at 35 Bond Street, Ealing, W5 5AS

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for OJRL LTD, located at 35 Bond Street, Ealing, W5 5AS. The application, made by Sirajudheen Oliyil, sought permission for the supply of alcohol both on and off the premises from Monday to Sunday, between 12:00 and 23:00. The proposed opening hours for the premises were Monday to Sunday, 12:00 to 23:30.

The report pack indicated that one representation had been received from a resident, Ms Radia, concerning the prevention of public nuisance. The committee was asked to consider the application, the operating schedule, the resident's representation, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The possible outcomes for the committee were to grant the application in full, grant it subject to conditions consistent with the operating schedule, grant it with modified conditions, or reject the application in part or in full.

The report detailed the premises' location within a Special Policy Area as defined in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. It also outlined the consultation process undertaken, including the display of statutory notices and notification to responsible authorities. The report referenced the Licensing Act 2003¹, which sets out the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. It also drew attention to the Human Rights Act 1998², specifically Articles 6, 8, and the First Protocol, in relation to the determination of the application.

The applicant, OJRL LTD, provided details of their operating schedule, outlining steps to promote the licensing objectives. These included training for staff on alcohol sales responsibilities, incident recording, 24-hour CCTV operation, staff training on safety awareness, and notices at the entrance and exit reminding customers to leave quietly. For the protection of children, the applicant stated that only photographic identification would be accepted, and anyone appearing under 25 would be challenged.

The report pack also included correspondence between the licensing team and Ms Radia, as well as agreements reached between the applicant and Ann Chapman and Stuart Morley. Ms Radia's objection, dated 24 November 2023, expressed concerns about the potential for late-night drinkers, disruptive noise, and public disorder, citing existing issues with urination and vomiting near her entrance. She argued that a seven-day-a-week late alcohol and takeaway license would exacerbate these problems and alter the character of the street. The Ealing Civic Society, represented by Ann Chapman, initially submitted a representation requesting a terminal hour for alcohol sales at 11:00 pm and a condition for off-sales to be an accompaniment to food orders. Subsequent correspondence indicated that the applicant agreed to these proposed changes, leading to the withdrawal of the Ealing Civic Society's representation. Stuart Morley, Chair of CERA, also withdrew his representation after the applicant agreed to the recommended changes.