The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Doreen's, a cafe and tea room at 56 Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, W5 1QY. The licence was granted with an additional condition prohibiting smoking in the garden area.

New Premises Licence for Doreen's

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Doreen's, located at 56 Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, W5 1QY, which will operate as a cafe and tea room. The application was made by Ms. Hollie Jacqueline Elwell.

The licence permits the supply of alcohol and recorded music, with specific hours for each activity and for the general opening of the premises. Alcohol can be supplied on the premises from 12:00 to 16:30 on Mondays and Tuesdays, 11:00 to 16:30 on Wednesdays and Sundays, and 11:00 to 22:30 on Thursdays to Saturdays. Recorded music is permitted from 09:00 to 17:00 on Wednesdays, 09:00 to 23:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 08:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. The premises will be open from 09:00 to 17:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 09:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 08:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Alcohol consumption in the garden is permitted until 16:30 on Wednesdays and Sundays, and until 21:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays.

The decision to grant the licence was made after considering representations from a local resident, Mr. Justin Walker and Miss Jessica Stone, who raised concerns about potential public nuisance and the protection of children from harm, particularly regarding the use of the rear outdoor area. They highlighted the proximity of this area to neighbouring residential gardens and windows, and the potential for children to be exposed to adult language, drunken behaviour, smoke, and overlooking.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that Ms. Elwell, the applicant, possessed relevant experience in managing licensed premises, including as an assistant manager of public houses. They accepted her evidence that Doreen's would operate as a family-oriented, food-led venue, with a focus on a tea with prosecco offering rather than a vertical drinking venue, which they considered would reduce the likelihood of the feared behaviour.

Ms. Elwell also provided an undertaking to make her telephone number available to local residents for direct communication regarding any concerns during operational hours, which the Sub-Committee deemed a practical means of addressing issues promptly.

An additional condition was imposed: No smoking shall be permitted in the garden area. Clear signage and staff directions shall require customers who wish to smoke to use the front of the premises only. The Sub-Committee considered this condition to be appropriate and proportionate to address the concerns raised about smoke and the use of the garden.

The Metropolitan Police Service agreed not to submit representations, provided that a set of 13 conditions, including CCTV installation and maintenance, staff training, a refusals book, and measures to ensure patrons leave quietly, were attached to the licence. These conditions were agreed upon by Ms. Elwell.

The Sub-Committee reached its decision having regard to the Licensing Act 2003¹, section 182 of the Guidance issued by the Secretary of State, and Ealing's Statement of Licensing Policy².