The Licensing Sub-Committee of Wandsworth Council was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for M's Dining Room, located at 14 Lavender Hill, SW11 5RW. The meeting's agenda also included the formal appointment of a Chair for the committee.

M's Dining Room Premises Licence Application

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for M's Dining Room, a restaurant at 14 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5RW. The applicant, M's Dining Room Limited, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, the provision of regulated entertainment including live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment.

The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol were initially from 11:00 to 01:00 Sunday to Thursdays, and 11:00 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Regulated entertainment was proposed from 11:00 to 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursdays. Late-night refreshment was proposed until 01:00 Sunday to Thursdays, and 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with the premises opening from 06:00 to 01:30 Sunday to Thursdays, and 06:00 to 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Following representations from the Council's Environmental Health Section (Noise and Nuisance team), the applicant amended these hours. The revised proposals included the sale of alcohol from 11:00 to midnight Sunday to Thursdays, and 11:00 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Live and recorded music would cease at 23:00 Sunday to Thursdays, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Late-night refreshment would end at midnight Sunday to Thursdays, and 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with a closing time of 00:30 Sunday to Thursdays and 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Representations were received from several parties. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, noting that the previous owner of the premises, Mihad Lawal, who was involved in a previous licence revocation in 2019, would still be involved in the business. The Environmental Services Officer (Noise and Nuisance Team) initially raised concerns about noise disturbance, which were addressed by the applicant's amendments and agreement to specific conditions, including the installation of a sound limiting device, restrictions on deliveries, and conditions relating to a serving hatch. Trading Standards also raised concerns regarding the protection of children from harm, which were addressed by the applicant's agreement to conditions on staff training and signage for the Challenge 25 proof of age scheme. The London Fire Brigade made representations regarding fire safety, including concerns about travel distances and escape routes, stating that the representation would stand until these matters were resolved.

Additionally, representations were received from local residents, James and Stephanie Feaver, who expressed concerns about noise from live entertainment, people gathering outside, and parking issues. They stated that any licence later than 23:00 hours at any point in the week was unnecessary and unjustifiable.

The report pack outlined the relevant sections of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy that the Sub-Committee must consider. The Sub-Committee was asked to decide whether to grant the application as requested, modify the conditions of the licence, or reject the application, with the requirement that any decision must be appropriate for the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The report pack also detailed proposed conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule, covering CCTV, sealed containers for off-premises sales, restaurant operating conditions, delivery protocols, accommodation limits, conduct of the premises, refuse collection, restrictions on the use of the front hatch, and the installation of a sound limiting device. Conditions relating to the protection of children from harm included the Challenge 25 scheme and requirements for supervision during children's parties.

The agenda for the meeting, available at Agenda frontsheet 03rd-Jan-2024 19.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf, also included standard procedural items such as the appointment of a Chair, receiving apologies, and declarations of interest. The full report pack can be found at Public reports pack 03rd-Jan-2024 19.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf.