Harrow Council refuses licence for late-night club beneath Rayners Lane motorcycle shop

Harrow Council has refused a licence for a late-night members' club in the basement beneath a motorcycle shop in Rayners Lane.

The council's licensing panel turned down the application on 14 October. The premises are at 439 Alexandra Avenue, where the ground floor is used by Rayners Lane Motors.

The plan was for a private members' club offering alcohol, music and performances by Bollywood-style dancers, who would be paid in tips. It would have stayed open into the early hours.

What was proposed

The application was made by Kankudi Limited and covered the lower floor of the building only. The applicant said the club was meant for hospitality workers who finish late shifts and want somewhere to go afterwards.

The first application asked to open until 4am. Before the hearing, dozens of residents objected, and the Metropolitan Police and the council's own licensing officers also raised concerns.

The police later withdrew their objection after the applicant agreed to conditions and shorter opening hours.

Why councillors said no

Residents were worried about amplified music, people arriving and leaving late at night, and disruption for homes close to the parade. Many of the shops on this part of Alexandra Avenue have flats above them.

Even with the police objection withdrawn, the panel refused the licence. It found there was not enough evidence that people living nearby would be protected from noise late at night.

Councils have to weigh licence applications against four aims set out in the Licensing Act 2003. These are preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. In this case, the panel's concern was mainly about public nuisance.

An earlier venue at the same address

The same address has been before Harrow's licensing panel before. In July 2023, councillors considered an application for a private members' venue called Baadshah Lounge at 439 Alexandra Avenue. It was granted a licence, but its weekend hours were limited to 1.30am, which was shorter than the applicant had asked for.

Rayners Lane is a busy shopping area on the borders of Harrow and Hillingdon. It is known for its 1930s Metro-land parades and its large South Asian community. Alexandra Avenue runs south from the Rayners Lane area towards South Harrow and has a mix of shops, restaurants and homes.

What happens next

Under the Licensing Act 2003, an applicant who is refused a premises licence can appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days of being formally told of the decision. Kankudi Limited has not said in public whether it plans to appeal.

The motorcycle business on the ground floor is not affected by the decision. Details of licensing applications and panel decisions are published on Harrow Council's website.