Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

None.

It was confirmed that all items of business were marked Part I and would be considered in public.

None.

Introduction by Licensing Officer

Steve Dormer, Licensing Officer at the London Borough of Hillingdon, introduced the report relating to the application for a new Premises Licence for Myst West Lounge, Novotel, Bath Road, Heathrow Villages. The background and chronology of events were provided. Members were informed that Myst West was currently operating as a restaurant / shisha lounge. Members of the public had raised concerns regarding the establishment hence officers had attended to ascertain the nature of the business and how it was being run. It had been clear to officers that the focus was on making profit rather than on being properly regulated. The Sub-Committee heard that Myst West had failed to comply with smoke-free and Covid-19 regulations. A Fixed Penalty Notice had been issued in November 2020 as people had been witnessed smoking shisha in the car park of the Novotel during lockdown.

The applicant had since hired Mr Affan Pathan as a consultant. Some changes had been introduced and a Premises Licence applied for to serve hot drinks and food between the hours of 23:00 and 05:00.

Officers were recommending that the application be refused on the grounds that the operating schedule did not support the licensing objectives.

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee, it was confirmed that it was unclear when Myst West had started operating; the premises had first been brought to the attention of officers in August 2020.  Members were advised that the applicant would be able to provide further information in respect of CCTV coverage.

With regards to the playing of recorded music, Members enquired whether a sound limiter was installed at the premises. It was thought that no such sound limiter was currently in place.

In response to Members’ requests for clarification, it was explained that the applicant no longer wished to include the sale of alcohol in his application – only soft drinks and food would be served at Myst West. Members heard that the Novotel was not in possession of an off sales licence and wished to operate as a separate concern. The hotel was unwilling to sanction drinks being purchased at the hotel for consumption at Myst West. 

In response to further questions from the Sub-Committee, it was confirmed that, when officers had visited the premises in October 2020, it had been clear that Covid-19 restrictions were not being adhered to – there had been no controls in place, little space between tables and groups mixing freely. It had appeared that Myst West was operating at maximum capacity.

Representation by Applicant / Applicant’s representative

Mr Affan Pathan, the Applicant’s representative and Mr Mohammad Goga, the Applicant, addressed the Sub-Committee. It was confirmed that Mr Goga had taken over the business in August 2020 having previously run a courier company for 20 years. Mr Goga had no previous experience in the hospitality industry and therefore relied on information passed to him by licence holders of similar establishments. The Sub-Committee heard that Mr Goga sincerely regretted his actions and had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.