The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council was scheduled to consider a variation to a premises licence for Pizza Hut at 111 The Broadway, London NW7 3TG. The committee was also set to review the standard procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure

The committee was scheduled to review the established procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings, which is based on regulations made under the Licensing Act 2003. This procedure is designed to ensure natural justice and a fair hearing, with provisions for parties to present their cases and for the chair to lead discussions on points of dispute. The procedure allows for a maximum of three minutes for each party to present their case, followed by a discussion. The report pack outlines the roles of the Governance Officer and the Chair in managing the hearing, including the presentation of reports, opening submissions, questioning, and the determination of applications. It also details the process for deliberation in private session and the subsequent announcement of decisions.

Pizza Hut, 111 The Broadway, London NW7 3TG - Variation of Premises Licence

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application to vary the premises licence for Pizza Hut at 111 The Broadway, London NW7 3TG. The application, submitted by Nine Food Group Limited, sought to extend the licensable activity of Late Night Refreshment to be between 23:00 and 03:00 for deliveries only. The applicant stated that the premises would be closed to public entry at 00:00.

The report indicated that a representation had been received from Councillor Val Duschinsky, a member for Mill Hill Ward. Councillor Duschinsky's objection was based on the potential for disturbance to residents living in the flats above the shops on The Broadway, due to pizza delivery bikes operating until 3 am. The representation highlighted concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance. The Police confirmed they had no objections to the variation, and no other responsible authorities submitted objections.

The report pack outlined the potential steps the Sub-Committee could take, including granting the licence with modified conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The decision would be made with regard to the representations, the Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2020, aiming to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The applicant, Nine Food Group Limited, provided a response to the representation, clarifying that the extended hours would be for deliveries only and that no customers would be on the premises after midnight. They stated that delivery drivers would collect orders swiftly and depart, and that electric bikes would be used to minimise noise pollution. The applicant also outlined safeguards, including instructions to drivers to avoid idling engines and unnecessary noise, internal order management to minimise waiting times, and regular monitoring of the premises.

The report pack included the application form, the current premises licence, the representation from Councillor Duschinsky, and a section detailing the Matters for Decision, which presented the proposed variation for the committee to consider granting, amending, or refusing.