The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 29 February 2024 to consider three licensing applications. The committee granted variations to the licences of Mr Foggs Apothecary and Jeru, and a new licence for House of Cans.

Mr Foggs Apothecary, Basement, 34 Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 3DN

The committee granted a variation to the premises licence for Mr Foggs Apothecary. The variation allows for an extended last entry time from midnight to 1:00 AM, with a cap of 25 patrons admitted between midnight and 1:00 AM. The conditions regarding SIA door supervisors were also varied, requiring at least one supervisor on Thursdays from 8:00 PM and two on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 PM, with at least two supervisors patrolling the outside area from 11:00 PM until 30 minutes after closing on Fridays and Saturdays. These changes were made after considering representations from the Environmental Health Service and two interested parties, who raised concerns about public nuisance and public safety. The applicant, Brook Street Bar Limited, argued that the changes were necessary due to operational burdens and that their premises had operated without issue for 18 months.

Jeru, 11 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DS

A variation was granted to the premises licence for Jeru. The terminal hour for licensable activities was extended to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and to 1:00 AM on Thursdays. The committee also varied conditions relating to patron capacity, with the number of patrons permitted on the premises remaining at 90 on the ground floor and basement, and 150 on the first floor from Sunday to Wednesday, and until midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays. On Thursdays, from midnight to 1:00 AM, the capacity will be 180. This decision was made after considering representations from the Environmental Health Service and three interested parties who raised concerns about public nuisance and public safety, particularly regarding noise and dispersal. The applicant, 11 Berkeley Street Limited, argued the extensions were to allow patrons to finish their meals comfortably, and a dispersal policy was provided to address concerns.

House of Cans, Ground Floor Front, 12 D'Arblay Street, W1F 8DU

A new premises licence was granted to House of Cans for its premises at 12 D'Arblay Street. The licence permits the sale of alcohol and opening hours from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. The premises will operate primarily as a specialist, can-only off-licence selling premium craft drinks, with limited on-site consumption permitted until 9:00 PM. The licence includes conditions limiting the number of patrons to 20, restricting deliveries between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM, and prohibiting the sale of super-strength beers or spirit mixtures above 5.5% ABV, except for craft beers, ciders, cocktails, and wines in cans. Representations were initially received from the Metropolitan Police, Environmental Health Service, Licensing Authority, and the Soho Society, citing concerns about cumulative impact and public nuisance. However, the responsible authorities withdrew their representations after the applicant reduced the proposed terminal hour for alcohol sales and closing time from 11:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Soho Society maintained their objection, expressing concerns about street drinking and the impact on the cumulative impact area. The committee granted the licence with several conditions, including a limit on tasting events to 26 per year and a prohibition on selling alcohol for immediate consumption outside the premises.