The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 8 February 2024 to determine three licensing applications. The committee granted a new premises licence for a nail and beauty salon, refused a new premises licence for a convenience store, and granted a variation to a premises licence for a public house.

Townhouse, 129 Victoria Street, SW1E 6RD

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Townhouse, a nail and beauty salon located at 129 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6RD. The licence permits the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises between 09:00 and 21:00, with the premises closing at 21:30. The sale of alcohol will be ancillary to the main business and limited to customers receiving or waiting for treatments. This decision was made subject to several conditions, including those agreed with Environmental Health and the Metropolitan Police Service, and a condition requiring a direct telephone number for the manager to be publicly available. One local resident had objected to the application, raising concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour, particularly regarding the use of a rear entrance. The applicant had proposed conditions to address these concerns, including prohibiting customer use of the rear door except in emergencies and restricting waste collection times. The committee found that the application aligned with the Council's Shops Policy (SHP1) and that the proposed conditions would promote the licensing objectives.

61 Kingly Street, W1B 5QL

The Sub-Committee refused an application for a new premises licence for 61 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5QL, which intended to operate as a convenience store. The refusal was based on the applicant's history of non-compliance at the premises, which had previously held a licence that was surrendered in February 2023 due to breaches witnessed by the Metropolitan Police Service and Trading Standards. Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, the Metropolitan Police Service, and The Soho Society, all raising concerns about the potential to undermine licensing objectives, particularly in relation to crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) was also a significant factor, with objectors arguing that granting the licence would exacerbate existing issues. The committee lacked confidence that the applicant could comply with licence conditions or promote the licensing objectives, and considered the application contrary to policy CIP1.

Shakespeare's Head Public House, 29 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7HZ

The Sub-Committee granted a variation to the premises licence for Shakespeare's Head Public House, located at 29 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HZ. The variation allows for the removal of existing conditions and their replacement with a new operating schedule. Crucially, the application sought to change the Sunday commencement hour for live music, recorded music, and the sale of alcohol from 12:00 to 10:00. Following consultation, this was amended to 11:00. The Soho Society had initially objected, citing concerns about cumulative impact and precedent within the West End CIZ. However, following the applicant's agreement to updated conditions, including those relating to CCTV and door supervisors, and the amendment to the Sunday opening hours, the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health withdrew their representations. The committee found that the variation would not add to cumulative impact and that the applicant had demonstrated exceptional circumstances. The removal of a previous condition requiring alcohol sales to be ancillary to table meals for the final hour of trading was also permitted.