Local residents are voicing strong objections to a Persian cafe's application for a late-night refreshment and alcohol license, citing concerns over noise, public nuisance, and potential impacts on their quality of life.
Counter By Naroon, located at 63 Great Titchfield Street, is seeking permission to extend its opening hours and serve alcohol until 11:30 PM on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The application, submitted by 63 Gts Ltd, describes the premises as an authentic traditional Persian café/restaurant
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However, the proposal has met with resistance from local residents, including the Middleton Place Residents Association, who fear the extended hours will lead to increased noise and disturbance in the area. One resident wrote that Naroon Counter is a public nuisance
and that the noise emanating from rowdy customers whistling, singling and chanting late into the night is both loud disturbing.
Other concerns raised by residents include:
- The operation of the premises without a valid license.
- The use of the premises as a customer overspill for Naroon at number 65 Great Titchfield Street, and for private dining and parties.
- Inadequate soundproofing.
- Unlawful extraction ducts. Residents have provided case references for noise complaints and planning enforcement cases regarding unlawful extraction ducts, with one resident stating they have erected unlawful extraction ducts on 'two' separate occasions, without any recourse or fine.
- Intoxicated customers spilling onto the streets.
Stephanie Appiah-Anderson, representing Environmental Health, initially raised concerns that the requested hours could increase public nuisance and impact public safety. These concerns related to the provision of late-night refreshment, the supply of alcohol, and regulated entertainment (recorded music). However, the representation was later withdrawn after agreement of further conditions.
A licensing consultant acting on behalf of 63 GTS Ltd stated that the application is to regularise the alcohol licence under the current operating company, and that the business has traded successfully at this location for over 18 months. The consultant also addressed specific concerns raised by residents, stating that claims of noise officers closing the premises are incorrect, and that there has only been one private event this year.
The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) is scheduled to consider the application on Thursday 25 September 2025, where Councillors Aziz Toki (Chair of Licensing), Md Shamsed Chowdhury (Deputy Cabinet Member - Streets and Lead Member - Edgware Road Champion), and Karen Scarborough will weigh the concerns of residents against the applicant's proposal. The sub-committee is required to have regard to the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy and guidance issued by the Secretary of State when making their decision.
The following policies within the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy apply to the Counter By Naroon case:
- Policy HRS1 applies: Applications within the core hours will generally be granted, subject to other policies. Applications outside core hours will be considered on their merits, with regard to crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, protection of children, proximity to residential areas, hours of licensable activities, music, outdoor consumption, existing licensed premises, access to public transport, capacity, type of use, and 'winding down' measures.
- Policy RTN1 applies: Applications outside the West End Cumulative Impact Zone will generally be granted if they meet the requirements of policies CD1, PS1, PN1 and CH1, are within core hours, meet the council's Ancillary Delivery of Alcohol policy, take account of Special Consideration Zones, and meet the definition of a restaurant.
The sub-committee will consider the application in light of Westminster's licensing policy and guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The decision will be crucial for balancing the needs of local businesses with the rights of residents to a peaceful environment.
It should be noted that a resident provided a case reference, CAS-1393247-X0V4K9, which relates to Naroon at number 65 Great Titchfield Street. This report is related to the premises next door, number 65. Additionally, the document references a review of Naroon's other business, implying a history of issues that could impact the decision.
