The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Ottolenghi at 36-38 Hill Street, Richmond TW9 1TW, after hearing objections from local residents and community groups. The committee also noted the procedure for hearings and confirmed there were no declarations of interest.

Ottolenghi Premises Licence Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence to Ottolenghi, located at 36-38 Hill Street, Richmond TW9 1TW, following a hearing on 29 January 2024. The decision was made after careful consideration of written and oral evidence, including objections from numerous local residents and organisations, such as the Friends of Richmond Green¹ and the Richmond Society².

The application was for a new premises licence for a restaurant with an associated bar facility. The initial application included provisions for regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment, but these were later withdrawn. The sale of alcohol was amended to Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00. The premises would be open to the public from Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 22:30.

A significant number of objections were received, primarily concerning the potential for increased noise, disorder, and public nuisance, particularly given the premises' location within Richmond's Cumulative Impact Area³. Residents living in the flats above the proposed premises expressed concerns about noise transmission, smells, and the general impact on their quality of life. Concerns were also raised about the area being a Hot Spot for anti-social behaviour and crime, with reference to a past murder incident on Hill Rise.

The applicant, Ottolenghi, represented by Marcus Lavell, argued that they were an experienced operator with a strong brand and a sustainable business model. They highlighted that their other branches are often located beneath residential premises without issue and that alcohol sales would be ancillary to food. The applicant made several amendments to their application, including reducing operating hours and withdrawing certain licensable activities, in response to the objections. They also agreed to a comprehensive set of conditions with the Metropolitan Police⁴ and Trading Standards⁵ to promote the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Lesley Pollesche, with Councillor Phil Giesler and Councillor Matthew Hull also in attendance, considered the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, including its Cumulative Impact Policy. They noted that while the premises is within a Cumulative Impact Area, exceptions can be made if an applicant demonstrates no negative cumulative impact. The Sub-Committee concluded that, given the nature of Ottolenghi as a food-led restaurant, the amended hours, and the extensive conditions offered and imposed, the applicant had demonstrated that the operation would not add to the cumulative impact on the licensing objectives.

The granted licence includes numerous conditions covering the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, protection of children from harm, and public safety. These include requirements for waiter/waitress service, substantial table meals to accompany alcohol consumption, CCTV, an incident log, a challenge 25 proof of age scheme, and conditions relating to noise, fumes, and odour. Additional conditions were imposed regarding delivery times, dispersal of customers, and the management of smoking areas.

The decision notice was issued on 5 February 2024, and the applicant has a right of appeal to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days.