Hounslow street trader Meryem Fruit & Veg is facing potential hurdles in securing a temporary street trading licence due to concerns raised by the council's Licensing Enforcement regarding public nuisance and previous breaches of licence conditions. The Hounslow Council Licensing Panel is scheduled to review the application.
The application from Meryem Fruit & Veg UK Ltd seeks permission to renew their temporary licence to operate a stall on the raised area outside Holy Trinity Church on Hounslow High Street. The current licence is valid from 7th June 2025 until 6th December 2025. The proposed trading area would measure 10.0 metres in depth by 4.0 metres in width. The panel has the authority to grant, modify, or refuse the application.
Licensing Enforcement Officer Charlie Hennessy submitted a representation, included as Appendix B in the report pack, citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance. Hennessy noted that the licence holder had received two fixed penalty notices because the operators were trading in an area larger than the authorisations under the licence.
The proposed hours of operation are Monday to Saturday, 07:00 to 19:00.
Hennessy's representation stated:
The Prevention of Public Nuisance
The application submitted seeks the following licensable activities and times:
Sale of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Monday to Saturday: 07:00hours to 19:00hours
In response to concerns about potential public nuisance, Meryem Fruit & Veg UK Ltd has been asked to adhere to additional conditions requested by the Licensing Authority. These include:
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There shall be no goods placed on top of the tactile paving and sufficent space shall be provided either side of the tactile paving.
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The shall be no goods place on or near the stairs, allowing pedestrians to use the stairs in a safe manner
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The Licence holder shall be at the pitch or contactable at all times when the pitch is being used for trade.
Despite the objections, five representations in support of the application were received, included as Appendix C in the report pack. However, Licensing Enforcement undertook two site inspections with the operators following complaints received from local ward councillors regarding the stall's setup.
The Licensing Panel will also review the council's Street Trading Policy, which aims to regulate street trading in a way that is sensitive to residents' needs, provides consumer choice, and enhances the environment. Key objectives of the policy include preventing obstruction of the public highway and protecting public health and safety.
The Order of Business document outlines the standard order of proceedings for the Licensing Panel hearings. The panel will elect a chair, who will then introduce the panel and officers, and announce the agenda item. The officer presenting will read out the particulars of the application, and the applicant will confirm their name and address and address the panel about the application. Members and other persons will then have the opportunity to ask questions and make representations. The applicant will be given the opportunity to respond, and the officer presenting will advise the panel on procedures and options. Finally, the members will discuss the issues raised and make a decision.
