Hampstead Butcher Wins Alcohol Licence Amid Smell Complaints

Harley's Butchery and Rotisserie has secured a licence to sell alcohol on and off the premises from Camden Council. The decision was made at a licensing hearing where a local councillor had raised objections concerning noise and cooking odours. The council's licensing panel ultimately approved the request, clarifying that complaints about smells were not a matter for licensing.

Objections Raised Over Noise and Smell

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Hampstead Town Councillor Stephen Stark voiced opposition to the butcher's application to extend alcohol off-sale hours. Councillor Stark cited concerns from residents about noise and the "dreadful and far-reaching" smell emanating from the shop's burger stand. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that residents in Oriel Place, including a gym located above the shop, were disturbed by cooking odours. The councillor also raised public safety issues regarding the grill stand, suggesting it posed a risk to children.

Councillor Stark urged the licensing panel to reject the licence changes until the "foul smell" was addressed, stating that an elderly resident and her husband were suffering from the odour entering their home. He also suggested the butchery should employ a doorman, similar to a nearby pub, to prevent customers from taking alcohol into a local park. Aside from Councillor Stark's objections, Camden Council received no other formal complaints regarding the application.

Owner Claims Financial Impact and Persecution

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James Widdowson, owner of Harley's Butchery and Rotisserie, stated that the scrutiny his business has faced has had a significant emotional and financial impact. Mr Widdowson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he feels "under the magnifying glass" and experiences anxiety when arriving at the shop. He estimates that the business has lost £20,000 in revenue due to licensing issues, which has led to the dismissal of several part-time staff members.

Mr Widdowson also believes there is an "agenda to remove any activity in Hampstead that doesn't suit a certain way." He described the experience of opening a new business as a steep learning curve, but felt that some individuals who could have supported his venture had instead worked against it. The owner added that he had implemented safety measures for the grill stand, including a heatproof barrier, warning signs, and pest-proofing, following discussions with council officers.

Pavement Licence Application Pending

Harley's Butchery and Rotisserie is awaiting a decision on a separate pavement licence application for street tables and chairs. The council set a deadline of 7 October for public representations on this application. The outcome of this pavement licence application remains to be seen.