Late night refreshment means the supply of hot food or hot drink to the public, for consumption on or off the premises, between 11pm and 5am. It includes takeaways, cafés, fast food outlets and mobile catering vehicles. Premises that provide late night refreshment need to hold a premises licence.What is late night refreshment? Late night refreshment means the supply of hot food or hot drink to the public, for consumption on or off the premises, between 11pm and 5am. It includes takeaways, cafés, fast food outlets and mobile catering vehicles. Premises that provide late night refreshment need to hold a premises licence.
Who is licensed?
The holder of the licence for the premises should be the occupier or someone who is concerned in the conduct or management of the business. This may be a company, as in the case of large chains of restaurants or an individual in the case of a single shop.
How can I obtain a late refreshment licence?
Application for a licence must be on the form supplied by us. A notice must be displayed at the premises giving details of the application and a similar notice must also be published in a local newspaper. Specimen copies of these notices are supplied. The reason for this is to make people in the area aware of the application so that they have an opportunity, if they wish, to comment on the application. When renewing a licence there is no need to publish a notice in a newspaper.
We will send a copy of the application form to the local police station and to the fire brigade. The licence fee must be paid at the same time as the application is submitted to us. The licence for a new application only, will be decided by the Licensing Sub-Committee at a meeting. The applicant and any one who has objected to the application may attend the meeting and put their views to the councillors if they wish.
On what conditions may I not be granted a late night refreshment licence for my premises?
We may refuse to grant a licence, renew a licence or to transfer a licence for any of the following reasons:
- The premises are not structurally suitable.
- There is a likelihood of a nuisance being caused by the location of the premises.
- The applicant is not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.
- The premises have unsatisfactory ventilation, lighting, heating and sanitation.
- Proper fire precautions have not been taken, and means of escape are inadequate or
- Any other reason the council may think fit.
Where do I send the application form?
A copy of the application form and a set of plans of the premises must be sent to:
London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority
Hounslow Borough Team
R/O Heston Fire Station
520 London Road
Isleworth
TW7 4HR
A copy of the application form must also be sent to:
Hounslow Police Station
3/5 Montague Road
Hounslow
TW3 1LB
When the licence is granted it must be displayed on the premises at all times. This will have on it the permitted opening times.
Contact us
Telephone: 020 8583 5555
Licensing Team
London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow House
7 Bath Road
Hounslow
Middlesex
​​​​TW3 3EB
