The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Thursday 16 October 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Pepe's Peri Peri at 434 Rayners Lane, Harrow. The panel granted the licence, subject to agreed conditions, despite objections from a local resident concerned about potential public nuisance.

Application for Premises Licence for Pepe's Peri Peri

The Licensing Panel considered an application from AKA Grill Limited, trading as Pepe's Peri Peri, for a new premises licence at 434 Rayners Lane, Harrow, HA5 5DX. The applicant sought a late-night refreshment licence to operate from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week.

During the meeting, Councillor Chetna Halai, Chair of the Licensing Panel, along with panel members Councillor Govind Bharadia and Councillor Eden Kulig, heard representations from the applicant and an objector. The applicant, represented by the manager who also manages a Pepe's Peri Peri in Hounslow, stated their experience in operating a similar establishment with a late licence without issues. They highlighted their commitment to replicating successful management practices, including CCTV, staff training, and noise management, to ensure they were good neighbours. The applicant also pointed to other food outlets in the vicinity that operate late hours, including other Pepe's Peri Peri branches, as evidence that their requested hours were not unprecedented.

However, a local resident, who lives directly opposite the proposed premises, lodged an objection on the grounds of potential public nuisance. The objector expressed concerns about noise from delivery drivers and customers leaving the premises, as well as insufficient parking for delivery vehicles. They argued that the proposed 3 a.m. closing time was exceptionally late for the area, which they described as a quieter part of Rayners Lane that transitions into a residential street. The objector suggested that an earlier closing time of 11 p.m. or midnight would be more appropriate.

The Licensing Authority had engaged with the applicant and the objector to try and resolve the concerns. While the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority had proposed a set of conditions to mitigate potential issues, the applicant did not agree to a reduced closing time of midnight, as suggested by the Licensing Authority.

After hearing all representations, the Panel resolved to grant the premises licence as sought by the applicant. This decision was made subject to agreed conditions, with minor amendments to conditions 3, 9, and 12. The licence allows for late-night refreshments from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Sunday, with the premises open to the public during the same hours.

The agreed conditions include:

• Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system, with recordings available to the police upon request.
• A staff member conversant with the CCTV system to be on the premises at all times.
• No children under 16 to be admitted after 9 p.m. unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Measures to prevent noise and vibration emanating from the premises.
• Notices at exits requesting patrons to leave quietly.
• Restrictions on disposing of bottles and glasses in outside receptacles between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• Proper presentation and timely placement of waste for collection.
• All deliveries to take place between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Drivers to await deliveries internally, with staff ensuring no excessive noise from them.
• Deliveries to be conducted in a manner that prevents nuisance.
• Staff arriving or departing late at night to avoid causing disturbance.
• The restaurant area for dining to operate only until 1 a.m., after which the venue will be open for takeaway and delivery services only until 3 a.m. The seating area is to be closed off and signposted accordingly.

The Panel's decision was based on promoting the licensing objectives. They concluded that there was no evidence at that time that any licensing objective would be undermined, as the concerns raised were anticipated rather than proven. The Panel noted the applicant's experience in managing a similar premises without issue and the lack of objections from responsible authorities. They were satisfied that with the agreed conditions in place, the licensing objectives would be promoted and the risk of noise nuisance eliminated. The Panel also highlighted that the Harrow Council's Statement of Licensing Policy acknowledges that licensing is not a mechanism for general control of anti-social behaviour, but plays a key role in ensuring premises are managed well.

The applicant, AKA Grill Limited, has the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of notification.