Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

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

None.

Introduction by the Licensing Officer:

Ms Jhini Mukherjee, Licensing Officer at the London Borough of Hillingdon, introduced the report relating to an application for a premises licence in respect of Cow Byre Tea Rooms / Bistro, Bury Street, Ruislip, HA4 7SU.

The premises was a well-established café until 2018, when it was vacated, and the new tenants, Mrs Anita Morar and Mr Dilip Morar, had applied for a licence to sell alcohol between 17:00 and 23:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as provide live entertainment on the same days between 19:00 and 23:00. Ms Mukherjee noted that although the live entertainment was included in the application, this did not need to be included due to deregulation.

The application received two representations, from Ruislip, Northwood and Eastcote Local History Society, and Eastcote Conservation Panel, relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. The representations expressed concern that the sale of alcohol in the concealed location of the premises would attract more anti-social behaviour.

It was confirmed that the Metropolitan Police had no objection to the application and responsible authorities were satisfied with the application.

Ms Mukherjee also confirmed that, while a representation was received from the Eastcote Conservation Panel, a further email from the interested party stated that they understood their concerns did not fit within the criteria of the Licensing Sub-Committee and could not be considered.

Representation by the Applicant:

Mr Morar commented that he understood the concerns of local residents, and also had no desire to open a premises that would attract anti-social behaviour. Mr Morar stated that the premises sought to retain the existing charm of the premises, while modernising the premises and serving food, and offering themed ticketed monthly events run by a local chef, that were aimed at more mature members of society. The premises would serve alcohol with meals.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the applicants were happy to adhere to a closed door policy and would be happy to go beyond the conditions proposed to install a sound limiter at the premises.

The Chairman sought clarification on the timing of the proposed monthly events, and Mr Morar noted that these events would coincide with the licensed days at the premises.

Representation by Interested Parties:

Ms Susan Toms, representing the Ruislip, Northwood and Eastcote Local History Society, addressed the Sub-Committee and noted that she was representing a society of over 100 members, and while the society was not anti-business, it was concerned for an important site.

Ms Toms commented that the Society had two concerns. The first was that granting the application would lead to an increased risk of damage and vandalism to the historic Manor Farm Site. Ms Toms noted that she understood the venue was not seeking to encourage mass drinking, but by serving alcohol in a secluded site with poor lighting and an irregular police presence, the buildings may be more prone to possible damage. The Sub-Committee was informed that the buildings were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.