The Licensing Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to consider two licensing applications. The committee granted a new premises licence for Taco Bell at 346-348 Edgware Road, London W2 1EA, allowing extended late-night refreshment hours. The committee also considered the application for a new premises licence for Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JA, which was adjourned for further consideration.

Taco Bell, 346-348 Edgware Road, London, W2 1EA

The committee granted a new premises licence for Taco Bell, located at 346-348 Edgware Road, London W2 1EA, allowing for late-night refreshment from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am, seven days a week. This extends the current licence, which permitted operations until 3:00 am.

The application had received representations from the Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health Service, primarily citing concerns about potential public nuisance and crime and disorder due to the extended hours. The police representation stated there was insufficient detail in the operating schedule to promote licensing objectives and that the requested hours exceeded Westminster's Core Hours Policy. Environmental Health Service also raised concerns that increased hours would likely cause public nuisance and impact public safety, although they noted the premises were well-managed.

The applicant, Taco Time Limited, part of the Adil Group, argued that they were experienced operators with no history of premises licence reviews. They presented evidence from Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and expert reports, including a noise impact assessment, which concluded there would be no adverse effects from noise. They also highlighted their comprehensive operating schedule with additional conditions, including an hourly litter pick and the use of a StaffSafe™ system for 24-hour remote monitoring.

Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury, Deputy Cabinet Member – Streets and Lead Member – Edgware Road Champion, expressed concern about the deprivation and crime in the Church Street ward, referencing past incidents. However, the applicant stated that while aware of these issues, they were not linked to the premises. The applicant also confirmed they had agreed to provide a stab kit at the premises.

The committee considered the applicant's arguments, including their experience, the proposed conditions, and the expert evidence. They noted that the premises were not located within a Cumulative Impact Area or Special Consideration Zone. Ultimately, the committee decided to grant the licence as applied for, subject to the conditions outlined in the operating schedule.

Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London, W1J 5JA

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Leconfield House, located at Curzon Street, London W1J 5JA. The applicant, Leconfield House Limited, sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment (live and recorded music, and films in the basement), and late-night refreshment. The proposed hours extended beyond Westminster's Core Hours Policy, with alcohol sales requested until 1:00 am and late-night refreshment until 5:00 am.

The application received representations from the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health Service, and several interested parties, including Chesterfield House Management Limited. The police initially objected due to concerns about the proposed operating style and membership scheme, but later withdrew their representation after agreed conditions. Environmental Health Service raised concerns about public nuisance and public safety due to the proposed hours and activities, particularly regarding the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment.

Multiple interested parties, including residents of Chesterfield House, objected strongly. Their concerns centred on the potential for noise and disturbance from late-night activities, including music, alcohol consumption, and patron dispersal. They argued that the proposed use, particularly the entertainment aspects and extended hours, was more akin to a private members' club or nightclub than a private office and co-working space, and that this was contrary to the area's residential character and planning history. Objections also highlighted concerns about overlooking from the seventh-floor terrace and potential noise from servicing and deliveries.

The applicant, Leconfield House Limited, presented a case that the proposals were for a high-spec, flexible co-working and business hub, with licensable activities being ancillary to this primary use. They highlighted substantial investment in the building, the creation of employment opportunities, and the economic benefits of attracting international business. They also detailed extensive proposed conditions and management measures, including SIA door staff, CCTV, a dispersal policy, and noise mitigation for the basement event space. Expert reports on acoustics and transport were submitted, arguing that noise breakout and transport impacts would be managed and would not undermine the licensing objectives.

The committee noted the applicant's arguments and the proposed conditions, as well as the objections raised. Due to the significant concerns and the complexity of the representations, the committee decided to adjourn the decision on this application to allow for further consideration of the evidence and potential conditions. The outcome of this adjournment is not detailed in the provided information.