A popular pub in West London has been granted permission to extend its opening hours into the early morning hours on weekends. The decision was made by the Hillingdon Council Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday (May 21).
The hearing had been postponed several times as numerous residents and councillors opposed the application. Following a series of mediation efforts some residents withdrew their opposition as the operator offered a number of compromises including on opening times.
The Prince of Wales pub on Harlington Road, Hillingdon, will now open until 1.30am on Friday and Saturday. The closing times for Sunday through Thursday have also been extended to midnight.
Two councillors remained opposed to the application despite compromises made on opening times. Councillors Roy Chamdal and Ekta Gohil believed the extension of hours would have a detrimental effect on the local community.
Cllr Chandal told the committee: “It’s a case of déjà vu I would say, the residents aren’t happy… it’s a 60/40 split. The main problems are the nuisance caused by the late hours, especially in the week… people with jobs are disturbed.”
He added: “The hours that are being suggested, particularly on the weekdays… are still an issue.”
Cllr Gohil was not present at the hearing, however she provided a written statement to the committee. She described the premises as having “a long-standing and well-documented history of contributing to antisocial behaviour and crime in the area”.
She said: “While the applicant claims a clean record since May 2023, residents and local stakeholders have continued to raise concerns regarding late-night disorder associated with the venue, especially in the surrounding streets.
“As of early 2025, it is widely believed by residents of Harlington Road and Uxbridge Road that the venue is not complying with key conditions of its current licence, specifically the requirement to operate ID scanning (face scanners) from 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, which has not been observed in regular operation.”
The applicant refuted these claims, making the point that neither environmental health, nor the Metropolitan Police, had objected to the application. They reiterated that there have been no recorded incidents at the venue for several years.
When returning the decision Cllr Darran Davies said: “The sub-committee welcomed the extra conditions… and their willingness to commit to the licensing objectives at all times. The sub-committee considered all relevant evidence made to it… the decision is to grant permission.”
Philip is a Local Democracy Reporter covering Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow, with a focus on council decisions, housing, planning, licensing and community stories across west London.
