A Southall banqueting hall, Milan Palace, is facing a licence review following concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police and Ealing Council's Noise and Nuisance Team. The concerns relate to noise, anti-social behaviour, and potential breaches of licensing objectives during previous events at the venue. The immediate area surrounding the Milan Palace, located at 68 The Green, is a residential area, with some properties as close as 15 metres.
The Ealing Council Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to review a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application submitted by Miss Ursula James for an event at Milan Palace on 23 August 2025, from 23:00 to 05:00 on 24 August 2025. The application includes the retail sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. The sub-committee, consisting of Councillors Tariq Mahmood, Sanjai Kohli, and Munir Ahmed, will consider the TEN, objections, and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The agenda for the meeting also includes a review of the Panel Procedure Guidance Note, which outlines the process for Licensing Sub Committee Hearings. The Temporary Event Notice submitted by Ursula James states the maximum number of people at any one time that she intends to allow to be present at the premises during the times when she intends to carry on licensable activities is 400.
The Metropolitan Police have formally objected to the TEN, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. According to police reports, previous events at Milan Palace have led to issues such as loud music from cars, horns, raised voices, and cars moving around the street. CCTV footage revealed breaches of previous TENs, including large groups congregating on the street, pavement, and a church car park after an event on 13 July. The police also noted instances of barbecues being set up in the church's planter area and on the street outside Milan Palace, with patrons loitering in residential areas. The Metropolitan Police stated that the premises had recently come to their attention due to events held by Miss Ursula James, which had caused issues for residents, and reviewed CCTV footage and found multiple breaches of previous TENs.
Similarly, Ealing Council's Noise and Nuisance Team has received complaints from local residents regarding loud amplified music, raised voices, anti-social behaviour, and parking issues stemming from events at Milan Palace. Complaints were lodged in June, September, and October 2024 following TENs issued for events on 9 June 2024, 28/29 September 2024, and 13 October 2024. Further complaints were received on 22 July concerning an event on 6 July 2025, with video and photographic evidence of large crowds, individuals inhaling nitrogen dioxide, waste, shouting, and arguing. The Noise and Nuisance Team believes that events at Milan Palace have had a significant negative impact on local residents, causing restricted sleep due to noise, illegal parking, and anti-social behaviour.
Following a meeting with Ms. James, where CCTV footage was shown to her, Ms James stated she was not aware of any of this happening outside whilst she was at the venue. It was pointed out that it was her responsibility to ensure that her events do not impact the lives of people residing around the location. The patrons causing issues are entirely emanating from her events.
The licensing sub-committee has the authority to allow the licensable activities to proceed as stated in the notice, impose conditions from the existing licence, or issue a counter notice if the event is deemed to undermine the licensing objectives. Milan Palace is located within a special policy area as defined in the council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The Public reports pack notes that the Council's Licensing Policy sets out policies, from paragraph 2.66 onwards, that apply to different types of licensed premises for matters to be taken into consideration for Pubs, Bars and Night Clubs, for late night hot food takeaways, for premises licensed for off sales of alcohol and for restaurants and cafes licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. The Policy outlines, at paragraphs 2.11 onwards, core hours for the provision of late- night refreshment and/or supply of alcohol.
The Public reports pack provided to the sub-committee includes a Temporary Event Notice submitted by Miss Ursula James, objection notices from the Metropolitan Police and Ealing Council Noise Team, and relevant sections of Ealing's Statement of Licensing Policy.
The Licensing Sub-Committee will convene on Monday, 18 August 2025, to consider the application and objections. The meeting will be webcast live on the Council's You Tube site.
