The Hounslow Council Licensing Panel convened to discuss a single application for a temporary street trading licence. Councillor Aftab Siddiqui was appointed Chair of the meeting. The panel ultimately decided to refuse the application for Carlos Takeaway to operate a stall and marquee on Hounslow High Street.

Carlos Takeaway application refused

The Licensing Panel refused the application for a temporary street trading licence for Carlos Takeaway, Stall and Marquee, which was intended to be located in the centre of Hounslow High Street, between the telephone kiosk and the advertising hoarding opposite Red Lion Court. The applicant, Mr Ramy Estfanous, sought permission to sell food and soft drinks from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays, 10:00 to 17:00.

The panel's decision was influenced by several factors outlined in the Street Trading Policy, including public safety, prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, the appearance and suitability of the stall, and environmental considerations.

Two representations objecting to the application were received, one from a Community Enforcement and Regulatory Officer, and another from a ward councillor for Hounslow Central. Concerns were raised about the impact of a gazebo on pedestrian flow in an already congested area of the High Street, exacerbated by delivery bikes servicing nearby restaurants.

The panel noted that the plan submitted by Mr Estfanous did not meet the requirements of paragraph 4.19 of the Street Trading Policy, as it failed to include all street furniture in the vicinity of the site.

The panel shared the concerns of the ward councillor and the Community Enforcement and Regulatory Officer, who have extensive local knowledge. The panel was aware that the section of the High Street where the proposed Site would be located was especially overcrowded compared to other parts of the High Street, being close to a busy junction, bus stop, and popular restaurants. The panel was also concerned that there was no consideration or acceptance of the impact that a queue would have on the movement along the High Street.

The panel also considered paragraph 4.5 of the Street Trading Policy, which states that applications for a new pitch will be assessed based on a number of factors, including that the goods to be sold must not replicate those of neighbouring stalls or shops within 200 metres. The panel noted that there were already a number of restaurants serving takeaway and dine-in food in the area and considered that there was no need for another stall selling food.

Appointment of Chair

Councillor Aftab Siddiqui was appointed Chair of the Licensing Panel. He thanked Councillors Dan Bowring and Allan Joseph for their attendance.