The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 14 December 2009 to consider an application for a new premises licence for the Vue Cinema at Westfield London Shopping Centre. The committee decided to grant the licence in part, allowing for alcohol sales and entertainment until 12:30 am on weekdays and Sundays, and until 12:30 am on Saturdays.

Vue Cinema, Westfield London Shopping Centre

The Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for the Vue Cinema at Westfield London Shopping Centre, located at Ariel Way, London, W12 7SL. The licence permits the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment. However, the application for 24-hour operation and alcohol sales until 2:30 am was not fully granted. The committee decided to allow alcohol sales from 8 am to 12:30 am the following morning from Monday to Saturday, and from 11 am to 12:30 am the following morning on Sunday.

The application, submitted by Vue Entertainment Ltd, sought permission for a 14-screen multiplex cinema with a seating capacity of 2,900. The company proposed digital screens and the ability to operate 24 hours a day, though they stated this would not always be utilised. Programming would be staggered to minimise impact on residents, and alcohol sales would be restricted to ticket holders, sold at premium prices. CCTV would be in operation to monitor customer behaviour.

Several local residents from Macfarlane Road objected to the application, primarily concerned about noise disturbance, parking issues, and potential nuisance from late-night activity. They questioned the necessity of 24-hour operations and late alcohol sales, viewing the application as a potential precedent for other establishments in the area.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about late-night parking and whether discussions had taken place with local residents. The applicants confirmed they had not initiated such discussions. Legal Services clarified that the mention of dance performances in the application was ancillary to the main use and did not require specific permission from the Sub-Committee.

In summing up, objectors reiterated their concerns about parking and the lack of prior discussion with Westfield regarding car park usage. The applicants highlighted Vue Cinema's reputation as a responsible operator, citing their experience with other cinemas in Shepherds Bush and Fulham, where no complaints had been received.

The Sub-Committee adjourned to consider their decision and unanimously voted to grant the licence with the specified restrictions on operating hours. The full reasons for the decision are detailed in the decision letter appended to the minutes.