Residents' concerns over noise, crime, and public nuisance have been raised regarding plans for a new bar at 439 Alexandra Avenue, Harrow.
The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to consider an application for a new premises licence for 439 Alexandra Avenue. The applicant, Kankudi Limited, sought permission for a range of licensable activities, including the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music, and dance, with proposed hours extending until 3:00 AM on Sundays to Wednesdays and 4:00 AM on Thursdays to Saturdays.
A significant number of objections were received from local residents and the Licensing Authority, primarily citing concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. The Metropolitan Police also raised objections, highlighting concerns about the suitability and safety of the premises, particularly regarding the welfare of dancers, and the potential for increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and parking issues.
Previous Licence and Current Application
The premises previously held a licence for Budsha Lounge, later known as Sitara Lounge. The previous licence restricted operating hours: live music, recorded music, and performance of dance were until 11:30 PM Sunday to Thursday and 1:00 AM Friday and Saturday. Retail sale of alcohol was until 11:30 PM Sunday to Thursday and 1:00 AM Friday and Saturday. Late-night refreshment was until 11:30 PM Sunday to Wednesday and 1:00 AM Thursday to Saturday. Hours open to the public were until midnight Sunday to Thursday and 1:30 AM Friday and Saturday. The current application initially proposed hours until 3:00 AM Sunday to Wednesday and 4:00 AM Thursday to Saturday, with extended hours on special occasions. However, the applicant later agreed to reduce these to 2:00 AM Sunday to Wednesday and 3:00 AM Thursday to Saturday, withdrawing the request for extended hours on special occasions.
Addressing Safety and Welfare Concerns
The Metropolitan Police raised specific concerns regarding the welfare and safeguarding of female dancers. They noted that the proposed changing facilities, which involved using the ladies' toilets, were inadequate and not well thought out. Furthermore, the police opposed the practice of customers holding dancers' hands or dancing with them, deeming it poor practice and a risk to dancers, potentially leading to criminal allegations. The police also highlighted that the venue was operating as a Mujra Bar, a detail not disclosed in the application. In response, the applicant's representative stated that dancers would be paid through tips and that a code of conduct
for both dancers and customers would be implemented, alongside a welfare policy
and a draft dance code of conduct.
The police indicated that these revised proposals and conditions, including those for dancers' welfare and a code of conduct regarding touching, had addressed their primary concerns.
Fire Safety and Premises Suitability
Concerns were also raised about the premises' suitability for late-night operation. Licensing officers noted during an inspection on August 1, 2026, that there were no fire extinguishers and no fire exit signs. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) had not received sufficient information to assess fire safety arrangements and requested a fire risk assessment and a set of plans within five working days. The applicant's representative stated that a fire risk assessment had been undertaken and implementation was in progress, but officers advised that such critical matters should be completed before public opening. The LFB's correspondence is available in Appendix 3.
Managing Noise, Litter, and Disorder
To mitigate noise pollution, the applicant proposes installing a comprehensive CCTV system and displaying notices at exits requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and leave the area quietly.
A Dispersal Policy
will be implemented to guide patrons away from the premises and inform them of taxi services. SIA door supervisors will manage patrons leaving the venue and remain on site for 30 minutes after closing. Noise and litter monitoring will be conducted every two hours during regulated entertainment from 11:00 PM until closure. A key proposed condition is the fitting of an electronic noise limiter to the musical amplification system, set at a level determined by an Environmental Health Officer. The applicant has agreed to conditions requiring recorded music to be inaudible above ambient background noise and the use of a sound-limiting device, similar to those in the existing premises licence.
Regarding litter and street drinking, the applicant states that no rubbish or empty bottles will be placed in outside bins between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The Dispersal Policy
also includes methods to prevent bottles and glasses from being removed from the premises at closing time. The Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) will maintain an incident log for complaints concerning crime and disorder.
Security and Capacity
Kankudi Limited plans to employ SIA licensed door supervisors, with the exact number determined by a risk assessment, but a minimum of two is expected. Given the proposed maximum occupancy of 30 customers, this suggests a high ratio of security personnel to patrons. Door supervisors will wear badges, use radios, and wear high-visibility jackets when outside. They will refuse entry to intoxicated individuals, eject drunk patrons, and refuse entry to those declining a search. They will remain on site until 30 minutes after the last person has left the area. The applicant initially indicated a capacity of no more than 30 customers, though the committee suggested this limit. Condition 20 states the number of persons shall not exceed (X), and Condition 21 indicates the Environmental Health Consultation Team will determine the capacity before opening, with a suggested limit of 60, though the applicant favoured 30.
After hearing representations from all parties, the panel deliberated on the application. A decision was to be communicated within five working days. Further details on the application and related documents can be found in the Public reports pack.