The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council met to consider an application for a new premises licence. The application was for Lilburne Walk Local, 67 Lilburne Walk, NW10 0TW, and the report pack included the application form, representations from local residents, and responses from the police and the council's licensing authority. Councillor Parvez Ahmed, Chair of the Licensing Committee, was present at the meeting.

Application for New Premises Licence - Lilburne Walk Local

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss an application by Varandeep Singh Khurana for a new premises licence for Lilburne Walk Local. The application requested permission to sell alcohol from 9am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday, and to remain open from 7am to 11pm daily.

Objections

The council received several objections to the application, including representations from the police, the Licensing Authority, local residents, and a petition with over 70 signatures.

Residents' Concerns

Residents raised concerns that granting the licence would undermine the four key licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Several residents voiced concerns about the potential for increased crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. They argued that the St Raphael's Estate already faced challenges with drug and alcohol abuse, and that a new alcohol retailer could exacerbate these problems. One resident wrote:

Our estate already contends with significant issues related to drug and alcohol abuse, which often result in anti-social behaviour. The introduction of another alcohol retailer in such close proximity to residential homes would undoubtedly exacerbate these existing problems. It risks becoming a focal point for street drinking and could lead to an increase in alcohol-fueled disputes and disorderly conduct, placing additional strain on local police resources.

Concerns were also raised about public nuisance, with residents anticipating increased noise, litter, and loitering. The location of the proposed premises near a mosque and children's playgrounds was also a significant concern, with residents fearing that it would normalise alcohol consumption and expose children to potential harm.

One resident's submission included photographs of nitrous oxide cannisters found near the proposed site, as well as links to online reviews of other businesses owned by Mr Varandeep Singh Khurana, in which concerns were raised about poor customer service and regulatory compliance.

Councillor Abdifatah Aden, Labour Councillor for Stonebridge Ward, also submitted a formal objection, stating that the proposed premises was located in an area with elevated levels of anti-social behaviour, persistent youth congregation, and recurrent incidents of street harassment, and that granting the licence risked exacerbating these issues.

Police and Licensing Authority

PC Phil Graves, Licensing Constable, initially submitted representations on behalf of the police, but indicated that these would be withdrawn if certain conditions were added to the licence. These included requirements for CCTV installation and maintenance, a Challenge 25 policy¹, an incident log, and training for staff on responsible alcohol retailing. The police also requested that no high-strength beers, lagers, or ciders above 6.0% ABV be stocked or sold, with exceptions for Guiness Foreign Extra and Dragon Stout, and that all alcohol stocked and sold be labelled with the premises' trading name.

Similarly, the Licensing Authority recommended a number of conditions to be included in the operating schedule, including CCTV requirements, staff training, and restrictions on the sale of high-strength alcohol and miniatures. Esther Chan, Licensing Inspector, stated that these conditions were necessary to address concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.