Key Points
- Spoon and Rice, a Filipino takeaway-restaurant in Willesden Green, North London, has been granted permission to sell alcohol from 11am to 9:30pm daily.
- Alcohol sale is restricted to customers dining inside the restaurant while eating a meal; no takeaway or outside consumption allowed.
- Residents raised “enormous concerns,” citing worsening antisocial behavior including drug dealing and intimidation, which they associate with alcohol sales.
- Some neighbours accused the restaurant owner, John Belmonte, of irresponsible business conduct, including unauthorized building changes and safety hazards.
- Mr Belmonte denied responsibility for the area’s antisocial behavior and emphasised his commitment to safety and responsible business operation.
- Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee approved the licence after consideration.
What is the decision on Spoon and Rice’s alcohol licence?
Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee decided on November 26 to grant permission to Spoon and Rice, a Filipino takeaway-restaurant situated on the High Road in Willesden Green, North London, allowing it to sell alcohol daily between 11am and 9:30pm. The stipulation attached to the licence requires that alcohol only be sold to patrons who are seated inside the restaurant consuming a meal. The licence does not permit the sale of alcohol for takeaway or consumption in outdoor seating areas. This approval followed a hearing addressing community concerns about the impact of allowing alcohol sales in the locality.
What concerns did residents express about the alcohol licence?
As reported by local residents, significant unease was expressed regarding the potential consequences of permitting alcohol sales at Spoon and Rice. Neighbours voiced fears that the decision would exacerbate a “growing problem” of antisocial behaviour around the area, which reportedly includes drug dealing and intimidation. Residents suggested that such negative elements had worsened over recent years. Carina and Terry, tenants residing in a flat adjacent to the restaurant, described confusion over the rationale for the premises to sell alcohol given the limited seating capacity of just four seats inside. They additionally referenced prior complaints made to the council relating to issues such as rat infestations and alleged fire hazards connected with the restaurant’s operations.
What accusations did residents make against the restaurant owner?
Carina, one of the neighbours, detailed a history of conflict with the restaurant owner, John Belmonte, characterising him as an irresponsible business operator. She stated,
“Our experience with [Mr Belmonte] is that he is not a responsible business owner. He has built shades in our backyard that went right up to the windows of our property that we had to go to Brent Council to have them taken down.”
Furthermore, Carina alleged that Mr Belmonte installed a commercial extractor fan into a chimney breast of the building, which she claimed posed a significant fire risk to all flats in the vicinity, prompting council intervention to remove the installation. She criticised his compliance as reactive rather than proactive, arguing that he prioritises non-compliance at first and only adjusts when forced by authorities. Carina further stressed that Mr Belmonte showed little regard for tenants or the impact on the building, casting doubt on his suitability as a responsible business owner in the community.
How did John Belmonte respond to the concerns raised?
During the licensing meeting, John Belmonte addressed the concerns put forth by residents. He disassociated his business from the antisocial behaviour reported in the area, stating it was “nothing to do with us.” In an effort to improve local safety, he mentioned installing external lighting on a street corner near his premises to increase visibility and security. Mr Belmonte reiterated that Spoon and Rice operates strictly as a takeaway-restaurant with alcohol sales confined strictly to those dining inside while eating a meal. He denied any bar-like activity and clarified that alcohol would not be sold for consumption outdoors or as takeaway or delivery. Acknowledging community worries regarding safety, Mr Belmonte expressed that these concerns aligned with his own priorities. He pledged continued commitment to ensuring the business environment remained safe, secure, and that Spoon and Rice would provide a quality service to the local community.
What was the council’s final ruling on the alcohol licence application?
Following thorough deliberation of the evidence and testimonies presented, Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee resolved to grant the licence to John Belmonte and Spoon and Rice. The committee evidently weighed the concerns of residents against the representations made by the business owner, alongside conditions limiting alcohol sale to seated dining only. The decision permits the restaurant to sell alcohol from 11am until 9:30pm every day of the week, adhering to the stipulated restrictions designed to mitigate negative social impact in the neighbourhood. This ruling enables Spoon and Rice to expand its offerings while attempting to address community safety and conduct issues raised during the hearing.
