The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to consider an application for a temporary street trading licence. The meeting's agenda included procedural items and a detailed discussion regarding a proposed food stall in Hounslow High Street.

Application for Temporary Street Trading Licence: Carlos Takeaway

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a Temporary Street Trading Licence for Carlos Takeaway, Stall and Marquee . This application proposed a location in the centre of Hounslow High Street, between a telephone kiosk and an advertising hoarding, opposite Red Lion Court. The applicant, Mr Ramy Estfanous, sought authorisation to sell Chicken Shawarma, Falafel, Kofta Wraps and Boxes, Smash Burgers, Chips, Salad, and Cold Drinks. The proposed trading hours were Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.

The report pack indicated that the proposed stall and marquee would occupy an area of 2.0 metres in width by 3.0 metres in depth on the public highway. Standard conditions for street trading licences were noted, including the requirement to leave a minimum unobstructed footpath width of 1.8 metres for pedestrian movement. The licence, if granted, was intended to run for a period of six months.

Consultations had been carried out with various departments, including Licensing Enforcement, Hounslow Highways, Pollution, the Fire Authority, Planning, Health and Safety, Food Safety, and Traffic/Transport, as well as the three Ward Councillors for Hounslow Central. The Traffic/Transport Team raised a query regarding the appropriateness of open cooking in such a busy location, citing potential safety issues for the public.

A representation was received from Councillor Rasheed Bhatti, a Ward Councillor for Hounslow Central. Councillor Bhatti expressed concerns about the proposed location, describing the area as already heavily congested and potentially creating a safety hazard for pedestrians. He noted that a similar application had recently been rejected by a panel and questioned the reapplication.

The meeting was also scheduled to consider reference documents to assist the Panel's deliberations, including the Order of Business ¹, the Procedure for the conduct of Panel hearings ², and the Hounslow Licensing Policy ³. These documents outline the established procedures for conducting licensing panel hearings and the council's approach to regulating street trading.