The Licensing Panel B of Camden Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to consider applications for new premises licences and the transfer of an existing licence. The panel was scheduled to discuss applications for Schofield's Bar and Simmons (Kiss), with a report pack detailing the proposed discussions and relevant documentation.

Schofield's Bar, 1A Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LL

The panel was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Schofield's Bar, located at 1A Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LL. The application, submitted by Schofield's Bar (London) Ltd, proposed the supply of alcohol and late-night refreshments, with proposed operating hours from 10:00 to 00:30 Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. The report pack indicated that the Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA) had made a representation opposing the application on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. The CGCA's representation expressed concerns that an alcohol-led premises operating to the proposed hours would have a greater impact on the area than the previous use of the premises as a restaurant. They suggested that a condition be imposed to limit alcohol sales after 23:00, making the licence personal to the current applicants, Daniel and Joe Schofield, to ensure future operators would need to reapply for a variation if they wished to extend these hours. The applicants, represented by Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP, had provided a detailed operating schedule with proposed conditions aimed at promoting the licensing objectives, and had engaged in pre-application consultation with local residents and the CGCA. The applicants' submissions, supported by Counsel's Opinion, argued that the proposed personal use condition was unlawful and unnecessary, citing the agreed conditions, proposed hours within the new framework, a concurrent planning application, and the statutory provisions for licence transfers and reviews as sufficient safeguards.

Simmons (Kiss), 7 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE

The panel was also scheduled to consider an application to transfer an existing premises licence for Simmons (Kiss), located at 7 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE. The application was made by Camden Hospitality Services Ltd, with Kashka Ray acting as the authorised agent. The Metropolitan Police had submitted a representation opposing the transfer, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder. The police representation detailed a history of issues at venues previously overseen by Mr. Kashka, including alleged breaches of licence conditions, operating without a Designated Premises Supervisor, and links to drug dealing and prostitution at the New Market Ale House. Further concerns were raised regarding Kiss the Sky Bar, where an attempted murder crime report was linked to the venue, and The Camden, which had reportedly faced numerous breaches of conditions. The police concluded that Mr. Kashka was not a suitable premises licence holder due to poor management and that granting the transfer would contribute to crime and disorder in an area already experiencing high levels of crime. The report pack indicated that the current licence for Simmons Bar permitted the supply of alcohol until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with late-night refreshments and recorded music extending to similar hours.