The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council met on Thursday 14 March 2024 to review the premises licence for Paiwand Events Community Interest, located at First Floor, 158 Station Road, Edgware, HA8 7AW. After considering extensive evidence and representations, the Sub-Committee decided to revoke the premises licence due to persistent breaches of licensing objectives.

Review of Premises Licence for Paiwand Events Community Interest

The Sub-Committee considered an application to review the premises licence for Paiwand Events Community Interest, located at First Floor, 158 Station Road, Edgware, HA8 7AW. The review was initiated by the Licensing Authority, supported by the Metropolitan Police and the Noise Nuisance department, due to concerns that the licensing objectives of the protection of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance were being undermined.

Numerous issues were raised, including allegations of loud music and events exceeding permitted hours, noise abatement notices being issued, CCTV footage showing patrons leaving after licensed hours, and vehicles causing obstructions. Representatives from the Licensing Authority, the Metropolitan Police, the Noise Nuisance Team, the premises' legal counsel, a director of Paiwand Events Community Interest Company, and a member of the public presented their cases.

Mr Khaled Erfan, a director of Paiwand Events Community Interest Company, acknowledged past problems but stated that the business model had changed to focus on family events and weddings, with a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. However, evidence presented by the responsible authorities, including video footage and witness statements, contradicted these assertions, showing continued breaches of licence conditions and a disregard for authority. A resident described the ongoing noise nuisance as akin to Chinese Water torture.

The Sub-Committee found the submissions from Mr Erfan to be inconsistent with the evidence. They noted the repeated failure of Paiwand Events Community Interest Company to engage with authorities and comply with licence conditions and legal requirements.

Decision: The Sub-Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Paiwand Events Community Interest Company. The decision was based on the evidence of repeated breaches, the failure to promote licensing objectives, and a disregard for authority, making revocation the most appropriate and proportionate course of action.

Any party aggrieved by this decision has the right to appeal to the Magistrate's Court within 21 days of notification.