The Harrow Council Licensing Panel met to discuss a new premises licence application for AS Food & Wine, located at 50 South Parade, Mollison Way, Edgware, Harrow, HA8 5QL. The applicant, Roginithevi Suthakaran, sought to extend the licensable hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment. However, due to objections from the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority regarding concerns about crime, disorder and public nuisance, and after discussion with the panel, the applicant withdrew the application and will continue to operate under their existing licence.

AS Food & Wine - New Premises Licence Application

Roginithevi Suthakaran, the applicant, applied for a new premises licence for AS Food & Wine, seeking permission to sell alcohol from 6am to 2am, Monday to Sunday, and to provide late-night refreshment from 11pm to 2am. The existing licence allowed the sale of alcohol from 6am to midnight, but did not permit late night refreshment.

The application faced objections from the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority, who requested that several conditions be added to the licence to address concerns about street drinking and antisocial behaviour in the area. These conditions included:

• Restricting alcohol sales to between 9am and midnight.
• Only allowing the sale of spirits in volumes of 20cl or over.
• Prohibiting the sale of single cans of beer, lager, or cider.
• Prohibiting the sale of beer, lager, or cider with an alcohol by volume (ABV) exceeding 6%.

Reasons for objections

The Metropolitan Police Licensing Officer, PC Seat Bandari, stated that the requested conditions were necessary due to the history of antisocial behaviour and street drinking in the Mollison Way area. PC Seat Bandari referred to evidence from an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) officer, PC Jacqueline, and a Dedicated Ward Officer (DWO), PC Mashari, regarding problems in the area. PC Seat Bandari stated that the conditions were in line with a nationwide initiative to reduce alcohol-related problems.

The Licensing Authority representative, Jeannie Mukhaji, the Commercial Licensing Team Leader, raised concerns about the applicant's decision to apply for a new licence rather than transferring the existing one, suggesting it was an attempt to avoid the existing conditions. Jeannie Mukhaji also noted that a visit to the premises revealed a strong emphasis on selling miniature bottles of alcohol, raising concerns about responsible retailing.

Applicant's response

Nira Suresh of Arka Licensing Consultants, the agent representing the applicant, argued that the requested conditions were not proportionate or appropriate. Nira Suresh stated that the applicant had put forward a comprehensive set of conditions to promote the four licensing objectives¹. Nira Suresh also argued that there was a lack of evidence linking the premises to crime and disorder, and that other licensed premises in the area did not have the same restrictions.

Nira Suresh stated that the applicant was willing to accept the condition regarding the sale of alcohol with an ABV exceeding 6%, with an amendment to allow the sale of premium beers above that percentage. However, they maintained their objection to the other conditions.

Licensing Panel's considerations

The councillors on the licensing panel questioned both the police and the applicant's agent extensively. Councillor Maxine Henson asked why the applicant had refused the police's conditions, and explored the applicant's willingness to compromise. Councillor Maxine Henson also raised concerns about antisocial behaviour in the area, and the need to protect residents from noise and disturbance.

Outcome

After a discussion with the licensing panel, the applicant chose to withdraw the application for a new premises licence and continue to operate under the existing licence. As a result, the licensing panel did not make a determination on the application.