Key Points
- Spoon and Rice, a Filipino restaurant in Willesden Green, North London, applied for a licence to sell alcohol daily from 11am to 10pm.
- The restaurant agreed to reduce closing time to 9:30pm and accept several conditions recommended by the council and police.
- Nearby residents expressed strong opposition, fearing increased noise, antisocial behaviour, and an intimidating atmosphere outside their homes.
- Residents also raised concerns about the restaurant erecting sheds near their property windows and possible use of outdoor space for drinking.
- The restaurant owner, John Belmonte, denied intent to extend alcohol consumption past designated areas and claimed undue hostility and discrimination.
- The council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-committee will decide the licence application on 26 November.
What are the concerns of Willesden Green residents regarding Spoon and Rice’s alcohol licence application?
As reported by local journalist Sophie Thompson of Brent & Kilburn Times, several residents near Spoon and Rice on High Road have voiced serious worries about the planned alcohol licence for the Filipino restaurant. They describe the proposal as “extremely concerning,” fearing it would “increase noise, nuisance and antisocial behaviour” directly outside their front doors.
In a formal submission opposing the application, residents specifically mentioned that the restaurant had erected sheds near their property windows, which had caused discomfort. Although the licence is intended solely for on-site alcohol consumption, residents suspect that the owner may want to use the outside space, including the parking area behind the property, for drinking as well.
“Encouraging drinking here would create an anti-social and intimidating environment directly outside our front door and would be detrimental to the safety and amenity of the people who live here. We are also concerned he may want to use the space out the back of the property for drinking on premises, which would put this directly outside the bedroom windows of our property.”
The residents stressed that Willesden Green already has numerous licensed establishments and is facing rising criminal activity and antisocial behaviour. Extending alcohol sales to this residential-adjacent venue could exacerbate these issues, negatively impacting their safety, comfort, and quality of life.
How has Spoon and Rice responded to the objections?
According to Emma Clarke’s report for the Evening Standard, John Belmonte, the restaurant’s owner, responded to the objections by clarifying several points. He confirmed that the shelved structure near neighbours’ windows was “immediately removed” following council instructions. Mr Belmonte emphasised that some objections are “exaggerated and subjective.”
He stated,
“There has never been any instance of noise or nuisance”
emanating from Spoon and Rice. He accused some locals of subjecting the business to “unwarranted and discriminatory treatment.”
Regarding the concern about using outdoor spaces for alcohol consumption, Mr Belmonte asserted:
“The claim that we intend to extend our trading or alcohol consumption area to the parking space at the back of the property is entirely unfounded and speculative. We have never considered, discussed, or planned any such activity.”
He further emphasised that Spoon and Rice
“have never placed tables or customer seating directly in front of any neighbouring doors or windows.”
He insisted that all business activities “remain strictly within our approved and designated trading area,” and confirmed that all necessary permits were obtained before any actions.
What conditions has Spoon and Rice agreed to in relation to the alcohol licence application?
As detailed in coverage by London Live, the restaurant agreed to several conditions to mitigate community concerns. These include reducing alcohol sale hours from 10pm to 9:30pm daily, as suggested by Brent Council’s licensing team and local police.
Additionally, Spoon and Rice pledged not to sell alcohol for delivery. Delivery drivers will be instructed to avoid blocking public highways, park off-road safely, and display clear signage with guidance on proper parking and conduct when collecting orders.
These concessions aim to address fears about noise disturbance, parking congestion, and public safety.
When will the licensing decision be made and by whom?
According to Brent Council’s public announcements, the Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-committee is scheduled to review Spoon and Rice’s application at a meeting on 26 November 2025. The sub-committee will consider all representations, including objections from residents and the restaurant’s responses, before deciding whether to grant the alcohol licence.
