The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster City Council met on Thursday 25 April 2024 to consider three applications for new premises licences, all related to fan meeting points for the UEFA 2024 Champions League Final. The committee granted a licence for a fan meeting point in Hyde Park, but refused an application for Victoria Embankment Gardens, while granting a licence for Trafalgar Square with specific conditions.

Trafalgar Square Fan Meeting Point Licence Granted

A new premises licence was granted for an open space at Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS, to host events including plays, films, live and recorded music, and the sale of alcohol. The licence permits these activities from 09:00 to 23:00 daily, with alcohol sales permitted between 11:00 and 22:00. The overall opening times for the premises are 00:00 to 00:00 daily.

The application, submitted by the Greater London Authority (GLA), sought to expand the licensable area and increase the number of events where alcohol could be served and road closures implemented. Concerns were raised by objectors, including LW Theatre Group Ltd and the Corinthia Hotel, regarding potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety, particularly in relation to alcohol sales and large crowds. Dr Philip Hadfield highlighted the cumulative impact on the West End Special Consideration Zone (SCZ).

Environmental Health Services, represented by Sally Fabbricatore, noted that while they had representations, they did not object to the application, having worked with the applicant on proposed conditions. The committee decided to grant the licence, imposing numerous conditions agreed with the applicant. Crucially, a condition was added that on any event day when football was screened, the sale of alcohol would not be permitted, and patrons would not be allowed to bring alcohol into the licensed area. This decision aimed to address concerns stemming from past incidents of alcohol-driven disorder following football screenings. The committee acknowledged the late submission of the application but granted it due to the proximity of the event.

Victoria Embankment Gardens Fan Meeting Point Licence Refused

The committee refused an application for a new premises licence for a UEFA 2024 Champions League Fan Meeting Point at Victoria Embankment Gardens, Villiers Street, WC2N 6ND. The application sought to permit regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol on Saturdays between 10:00 and 21:30, or 15 minutes into the second half of the match, whichever was later.

The application, also from the Greater London Authority (GLA), faced significant opposition from local residents, businesses, and organisations including LW Theatre Group Ltd, Ambassador Theatre Ltd, and the Covent Garden Community Association. Objectors cited concerns about public safety, public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the potential for significant disruption to the local area, which is within the West End Buffer SCZ. Dr Philip Hadfield and others highlighted the area's existing pressures and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, particularly with alcohol consumption and large crowds. Concerns were also raised about the late submission of the application, inadequate consultation, and the potential impact on other events scheduled for the same day, including an English Defence League march.

The committee found the applicant's responses to these concerns to be inadequate. They noted that the proposed location was unsuitable for an event of this scale, particularly given the proximity to the River Thames, residential areas, businesses, and theatres. The committee also expressed concern about the potential for uncontrolled dispersal of fans into Westminster's Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZ) and the lack of a clear dispersal policy. The committee concluded that the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the licensing objectives would be promoted, leading to the refusal of the application.

Hyde Park Fan Meeting Point Licence Granted

A new premises licence was granted for a UEFA 2024 Champions League Fan Meeting Point in Hyde Park, 1 Serpentine Road, W2 2UH. The licence permits plays, films, live and recorded music, and the sale of alcohol on Saturday, 1 June 2024. Entertainment is permitted from 10:00 to 21:30, with alcohol sales from 11:00 to 21:30, or 15 minutes into the second half of the match, whichever is later. The park will be open until 23:30, or 30 minutes after the match concludes.

The application, again from the Greater London Authority (GLA), was for a one-off event. Environmental Health Services, represented by Anil Drayan, had provided pre-application advice and did not object to the application, noting that the proposed noise level was consistent with previous events in Hyde Park. A local resident, Mr Mike Dunn, raised concerns about the stage positioning and the proximity to residential areas, as well as the number of events held in Hyde Park. However, the committee granted the licence with a number of conditions, including a maximum capacity of 19,999 people and adherence to an Event Management Plan approved by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG). The conditions also included specific noise level limits and alcohol management plans. The committee noted that the applicant had amended the stage position and agreed to a reduced noise level to address resident concerns.