The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council convened on Friday 12 September 2025, to consider a new premises licence application. The meeting was scheduled to address apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and a single application for a new premises licence. The application pertained to Food & Wine, located at 246 Neasden Lane, NW10 0AA.

Food & Wine, 246 Neasden Lane, NW10 0AA

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence submitted by Food & Wine Express Ltd, for the premises known as Food & Wine, located at 246 Neasden Lane, NW10 0AA. The applicant sought to secure a licence for the sale of alcohol and to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to the report pack, Stephen Bartlett was acting as the agent for the applicant.

The report pack noted that the location of the application, Neasden Lane, falls within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The council's statement of licensing policy outlines that there is a presumption that any new licence or variation to an existing licence that increases the scope for the sale of alcohol within a CIZ will not be granted, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the licence will not negatively impact the licensing objectives¹. The report pack stated that Food & Wine Express Ltd previously held a licence for the premises, but it had lapsed. A letter from Edwin Maldoom, Licensing Enforcement Officer, to Imran Khan of Food & Wine Ltd, included in the report pack, confirmed that the previous licence had lapsed because 'Food & Wine Ltd' (Company Number 10839556) was listed as dissolved as of 6 October 2020.

The report pack included representations from PC Phil Graves, Licensing Constable 3122NW, of the Metropolitan Police, stating that the police believed the application could be detrimental to the council's licensing objectives. PC Phil Graves stated that Neasden Lane is one of the worst areas in the borough for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Normally any new off sales application within a CIZ will be refused by both the police and council. As this venue has previously held an alcohol license, I believe it only seems appropriate to support this application with the appropriate conditions. I don't believe that a 24/7 sale of alcohol within a CIZ is appropriate, and these hours will need to be culled to support the licensing objectives.

PC Phil Graves recommended a number of conditions that should be added to the premises licence, including:

• CCTV installation and maintenance to Home Office Guidance standards.
• A staff member trained in the use of the CCTV system to be available at the premise at all times.
• The CCTV system displaying the correct date and time of the recording.
• The CCTV system being capable of obtaining clear facial recognition images.
• A suitable intruder alarm complete with panic button.
• Adoption and adherence to a 'Challenge 25' policy².
• Maintenance of an incident log and a refusal book.
• Training records for all staff that sell or serve alcohol.
• No high strength beers, lagers, and ciders above 6.0% ABV to be stocked or sold.
• No single cans or bottles of beer or cider to be sold.
• No miniatures under 35cl of spirits or wine to be sold.
• All alcoholic drinks to be clearly labelled with the name of the premises.
• A sign stating No proof of age – No sale to be displayed at the point of sale.
• Sales of alcohol only being permitted during the hours of 10:00 to 23:00 Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 to 23:00 on Sunday.

The report pack also contained a letter from Esther Chan, Licensing Inspector, stating that they wished to make a representation that the likely effect of the grant of the application would be detrimental to the licensing objectives. Esther Chan recommended a number of conditions that should be included in the operating schedule or added as conditions on the premises licence, including:

• Operation and maintenance of a digital colour CCTV system.
• A staff member always present on the premises whilst they are open who is capable of operating the CCTV system.
• Adoption and adherence to a Challenge 25 policy.
• A sign stating No proof of age -- No sale to be displayed at the point of sale.
• A copy of the premises licence summary to be visible from the outside of each entrance to the premises.
• Regular training of staff involved in selling alcohol.
• A notice asking customers to leave quietly from the premises to be displayed by the exit/entrance.
• Maintenance of an incident log and a refusal book.
• No high strength beers, lagers, and ciders above 6.0% ABV to be stocked or sold at the premises.
• All deliveries to take place during the normal working day (i.e. 09:00 to 18:00 daily).
• A lockable safe with deposit slot and anti-fishing mechanisms to be used at the counter till area.
• A suitable intruder alarm and panic button to be fitted and maintained.
• A clear and unobstructed view into the premises to be maintained at all times above 1.3metres.
• The premises to be staffed by a minimum of two persons between 18:00 hours to 08:00 hours.

A subsequent email from Esther Chan confirmed the acceptance of the conditions proposed by the Licensing Authority and the withdrawal of their representation.