Camden butcher wins alcohol licence amid smell complaints

Harley's Butchery and Rotisserie, located in Hampstead, has secured permission from Camden Council to sell alcohol for both on-site consumption and off-sale. The decision was made at a licensing hearing last month, where the business also sought extended off-sale hours. The council ultimately approved the alcohol licence, stating that concerns about cooking smells were outside the scope of licensing matters.

Objections Raised Over Smells and Safety

Hampstead Town Councillor Stephen Stark had raised objections to the butchery's application. He cited issues related to noise, the smell of cooking from the burger stand, and public safety. Councillor Stark told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that residents and a gym located above the shop were disturbed by cooking odours. He also expressed concerns about the safety of the electric grill, which he described as being left open to the public, potentially posing a scald risk to children. He urged the council to reject the licence changes until the smell issue was addressed.

The butchery owner, James Widdowson, stated that he takes child safety seriously and has implemented several safety measures around the grill, including a heatproof barrier, a warning sign, and pest-proofing. The council received no other formal objections apart from those raised by Councillor Stark.

Business Owner Fears 'Agenda'

Mr Widdowson, who opened Harley's Butchery and Rotisserie last summer, believes his business is being targeted. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the intense scrutiny has had a significant emotional and financial impact. He estimates that the business has lost £20,000 in revenue due to the complaints and subsequent actions, which have also led to the layoff of several part-time employees. Mr Widdowson feels there is an 'agenda' to remove activities from Hampstead that do not align with a specific viewpoint.

The owner also mentioned that on the day of the licensing hearing, he was instructed by council officers to clear street tables and chairs from the pavement due to complaints, pending approval of a separate licence for this outdoor seating. This action, he said, was 'devastating'.

Next Steps for Pavement Licence

Harley's Butchery and Rotisserie is now awaiting a decision on its pavement licence application. The deadline for public representations regarding this licence is October 7.