The Licensing Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council met on Wednesday 1 May 2024 to consider several new premises licence applications and a variation to an existing licence. The meeting agenda included discussions on applications for University of the Arts London, Alex Coffee, Salon 64, and Foreign Exchange News.

University of the Arts London, 16 John Islip Street, SW1P 4JU

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for the University of the Arts London, located at 16 John Islip Street, London SW1P 4JU. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, with proposed hours from 12:00 to 22:30 Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays. The premises description indicated that the application was for specific areas within the university campus, including a café and meeting rooms, and that alcohol would be pre-booked and consumed within designated areas. The application noted that this new licence would have a reduced scope compared to the existing licence for the premises.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health, and several local residents and residents' associations. The police initially objected due to insufficient detail in the operating schedule but later withdrew their objection after further conditions were agreed. Environmental Health also raised concerns regarding potential public nuisance and public safety, proposing additional conditions that were agreed by the applicant. Residents' objections focused on concerns about potential increases in anti-social behaviour, noise pollution, and the impact on the residential amenity of the area. The report highlighted that the existing premises licence for the University of the Arts London allowed for a wider range of licensable activities and longer hours.

The committee was to consider the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically policies relating to core hours and cumulative impact areas.

Alex Coffee, 1 Hanson Street, London, W1W 6TA

A new premises licence application was scheduled for consideration for Alex Coffee, located at 1 Hanson Street, London W1W 6TA. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, with proposed hours from 08:30 to 18:00 daily. The premises currently operates as a coffee shop with limited outdoor seating.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health Service, both of whom initially objected. The police raised concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, proposing specific conditions related to CCTV, age verification, and an incident log. Environmental Health cited potential increases in public nuisance and impacts on public safety. Several local residents also submitted objections, expressing concerns about the impact of alcohol sales on a residential street, particularly regarding noise, congestion, and safety, with one resident supporting the proposal. The Metropolitan Police Service later withdrew their objection after agreed conditions were accepted by the applicant. Environmental Health also proposed additional conditions.

The committee was to consider the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy, including the Shops Policy (SHP1) and Hours Policy (HRS1), noting that the premises is located within the West End Cumulative Impact Area.

Salon 64, 14 Bateman Street, London, W1D 3AG

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Salon 64, located at 14 Bateman Street, London W1D 3AG. The application sought to add late-night refreshment and recorded music as licensable activities, vary the timings for the sale of alcohol and opening hours, remove a condition restricting the types of alcohol served, and amend another condition regarding the age of membership for the private members' club. The proposed hours for alcohol sales and recorded music extended significantly later than the current licence, particularly on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health Service, and The Soho Society. Concerns were raised regarding the potential increase in public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the impact on the West End Cumulative Impact Area. The Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police Service highlighted the high concentration of licensed premises in the area and the potential for the application to exacerbate cumulative impact. Environmental Health also raised concerns about public nuisance and public safety, proposing additional conditions. The Soho Society objected strongly, citing the premises' location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and the proposed changes fundamentally altering the nature of the business from a salon with ancillary alcohol sales to a late-night members' club. The applicant had amended their application in response to concerns, including withdrawing requests for live music and adjusting proposed hours.

The committee was to consider the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy, including policies on Cumulative Impact (CIP1), Hours (HRS1), and Pubs and Bars (PB1).

Foreign Exchange News, 22 Leinster Terrace W2 3ET

A new premises licence application was scheduled for Foreign Exchange News, located at 22 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, with proposed hours from 11:00 to 23:00 daily. The premises currently operates as a foreign exchange bureau, coffee shop, and newsagent. The application indicated that alcohol sales would be ancillary to the primary business, with limited external seating for customers.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health Service. The Metropolitan Police Service initially objected but withdrew their objection after agreed conditions were incorporated into the application. Environmental Health raised concerns about potential increases in public nuisance and impacts on public safety, proposing additional conditions. The South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA) also objected, requesting specific conditions related to alcohol sales, hours, and deliveries to protect residential amenity.

The committee was to consider the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy, including the Shops Policy (SHP1) and Hours Policy (HRS1).