The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for London Spark at Grasshoppers RFC. The meeting's agenda also included procedural matters and a review of the council's licensing policy.

Application for Premises Licence: London Spark at Grasshoppers RFC

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for London Spark at Grasshoppers RFC, Syon Lane, Isleworth. The applicant, London Spark, a charity supporting the Polish community, sought to obtain a licence for events to be held within the grounds of Grasshoppers RFC.

The application detailed the proposed licensable activities, which included the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, live music outdoors, and other similar outdoor entertainment. The proposed opening hours for the premises were Sunday from 11:30 to 20:00, with live music and similar entertainment scheduled from 10:00 to 20:00 on Sundays.

The report pack outlined the applicant's operating schedule, detailing proposed measures 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. These measures included the appointment of SIA-licensed security contractors, event-specific security plans, bag searches, security patrols, risk assessments, on-site ambulance and paramedic teams, and environmental health checks on food vendors. For the protection of children, a clearly marked information point for lost children was proposed.

The report also included extracts from the Hounslow Licensing Policy 2025¹, which guides the Licensing Authority's decisions. This policy emphasises considering each application on its merits, promoting the four licensing objectives, and integrating licensing with other council strategies. The policy also outlines considerations for cumulative impact, particularly in residential areas, and the importance of applicants demonstrating how their proposals will not negatively affect the local community.

Representations were received from other persons regarding the application. These representations raised concerns about the number of attendees, noise levels, stage location, event duration, and the potential for multiple events. One representation, supported by the Osterley & Wyke Green Residents Association (OWGRA), requested the licence be refused or that specific conditions be attached, including a reduced maximum number of attendees, stricter noise level controls, improved communication of contact details for issues during the event, relocation of the stage, and a reduction in event hours.

The applicant, London Spark, responded to these representations, stating that some requests were unreasonable from a commercial perspective. They defended their previous event management, citing positive feedback from OWGRA regarding traffic management and litter, while acknowledging opportunities for improvement. They also provided details on their proposed noise monitoring procedures and discussed the possibility of relocating the stage and adjusting event hours.

The report pack also included the Order of Business² and Licensing Panel Procedure 2025³, which detail the procedural steps for the panel hearing, including the election of a chair, the presentation of the application, questioning of the applicant and those making representations, and the panel's deliberation and decision-making process.

Finally, the Hounslow Statement of Licensing Policy 2025⁴ was provided, offering comprehensive guidance on the council's approach to licensing, including its commitment to promoting the four licensing objectives, integrating licensing with other council policies, and specific considerations for various licensable activities and premises types.