Agenda item
Application by Jose Rocha for a new premises licence for Windrush (212 High Street NW10 4SY) pursuant to the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003
Decision:
That the application by Jose Rocha for a new premises licence for Windrush (212 High Street NW10 4SY) be approved pursuant to the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.
The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee (B) felt that there was no evidence in the written representations submitted to suggest that the application would undermine the licensing objectives (prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, ensuring public safety and protection of children from harm) and accordingly the application was agreed.
Minutes:
The Senior Regulatory Services Manager informed the Sub Committee that the application for a new premises licence for Windrush (212 High Street NW10 4SY) had been received and objections had been received from local residents.
The applicant was invited to speak and highlighted the following points:
· They had been operating the business since 25 October 2013 as a restaurant and had no affiliation with the premises prior to this
· Following a visit from the Police all recommendations had been adhered to and carried out
· No complaints from, neighbours had been received since opening the premises and operating until 2.30am on occasions
· Notices asking customers to leave quietly had been displayed
· A variety of meals including a takeaway services was offered at the premises
· SIA door staff were provided despite the premises not being a night club
· The fire service had advised of risk assessments required and were impressed by security arrangements
· They had been working with local resident associations and wanted to bring something positive to the community
· Local taxi numbers were made available to assist in persons getting home and not loitering
During questions of the applicant the following points were clarified:
· Currently the business was trialling new ideas and had not needed sound limiters as had only had background music during events
· The premises had previously held a licence until 4am
· As well as birthday parties it was hoped that community events such as black history, seasonal celebrations and poetry evenings would be held at the premises
· There was a maximum seated capacity of 50 persons for the venue
Leroy Simpson, Chair of Harlesden Town Team was invited to speak in objection to the application. He expressed concerns that should a licence be granted until 4am, it would give opportunity for the premises to be opened late every occasion. He highlighted that the premises was situated close to residential housing and residents had expressed concern that the premises could potentially become a nightclub again. He concluded that parking outside the premises was limited and taxis were not always easy to come by at 4am.
The Legal Advisor informed members that considerations regarding parking did not relate to the licensing objectives and should be disregarded.
The applicant reiterated that they had not received any complaints from residents or the police and intended to only open late on seasonal occasions and events. They continued to clarify that there was no plan to aggravate neighbours and only had a small sound system with which the noise team were more than welcome to inspect. In response to concerns regarding patrons leaving the premises, the applicant clarified that intoxicated persons would not be served and had no intentions of lowering its standards.
In summary the applicant explained that they had invested a lot of money in the premises and hoped to create something good for the community.
Leroy Simpson concluded that he did not object to the premises rather the 4am closing due to the risk of regular events and customers loitering until the tube restarted in the morning.
RESOLVED:
That the application by Jose Rocha for a new premises licence for Windrush (212 High Street NW10 4SY) be approved pursuant to the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003
Supporting documents:
- windrush-report, item 3. PDF 44 KB
- windrush-application, item 3. PDF 28 KB
- windrush-harlesdon-town-team-objection, item 3. PDF 129 KB
- windrush-objection-one, item 3. PDF 105 KB
- windrush-objection-three, item 3. PDF 82 KB
- windrush-objection-two, item 3. PDF 136 KB