The Licensing Sub-Committee considered three applications for the variation of premises licences. Decisions were made on two of the applications, with the third being adjourned.

London Cocktail Club, Basement, 61 Goodge Street, London, W1T 1TL

The committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for the London Cocktail Club, now rebranded as Hidden Society, to extend its operating hours and amend conditions. The applicant sought to extend late-night refreshment hours until 1:00 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and to extend alcohol sales until 1:30 AM on Thursdays and Fridays, and 2:00 AM on Saturdays.

Representations were received from residents and local associations raising concerns about potential public nuisance, noise, and disruption, particularly regarding the extended hours and the management of customers outside the premises. The applicant argued that the venue is a premium cocktail bar with a focus on a relaxed atmosphere and quality products, not a high-volume drinking establishment. They highlighted significant investment in the refurbishment and new operational policies, including a dispersal plan, a dedicated phone line for residents, and SIA door supervision.

The committee deliberated on the proposed extended hours, the potential impact on the surrounding residential area, and the mitigation measures offered by the applicant. The decision on this application was not announced at the meeting and will be communicated to the parties later.

Basilico, Basement and Ground Floor, 45 Crawford Street, London, W1H 1JX

An application was made to vary the premises licence for Basilico, a pizza delivery and takeaway establishment, to extend its late-night refreshment hours. The request was to extend these hours from 12:00 AM to 1:30 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant stated that the alcohol sales hours would not change.

Representations were received from local councillors and the Environmental Health Service, objecting to the extended hours on the grounds of potential public nuisance and impact on public safety, particularly due to the late-hour deliveries and the premises' location in a residential area. Councillors expressed concern that the extended hours would exacerbate existing issues with noise from delivery drivers and staff leaving the premises. The applicant, however, argued that they employ their own delivery drivers, have control over their operations, and have a good track record with minimal complaints. They also highlighted that a temporary event notice allowing similar hours had not resulted in any enforcement issues.

The committee considered the arguments presented, including the policy on core hours and the specific concerns raised by residents and the Environmental Health Service. The decision on this application was not announced at the meeting and will be communicated to the parties later.

Aldi, 90-100 Edgware Road, London, W2 2EA

Aldi sought to vary its premises licence to amend its operating hours and conditions. Key changes requested included bringing forward the start time for alcohol sales from 8:00 AM to 7:00 AM from Monday to Saturday, amending a condition regarding the strength of alcohol sold (ABV), removing a condition that required the alcohol display area to be inaccessible outside of permitted sales hours, and varying the layout plan.

Representations were received from local councillors and the Hyde Park Estate Association, who objected to the earlier alcohol sales time, the proposed increase in the ABV limit for certain beers, and the removal of the condition requiring the alcohol display area to be secured outside of sales hours. Concerns were raised about the premises being located within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone, known for issues with street drinking and homelessness, and the potential for increased public nuisance. Aldi argued that the proposed changes were necessary for operational flexibility and that their security measures, including CCTV and staff training, would mitigate any risks. They also highlighted their unblemished record in licensing matters.

The committee discussed the proposed changes in detail, particularly the implications of the 7:00 AM alcohol sales start time in a Special Consideration Zone and the proposed ABV limit. The committee also considered the applicant's offer to have SIA security present at all times the premises is open. The decision on this application was not announced at the meeting and will be communicated to the parties later.