The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for a Wetherspoons pub at 1 Paddington Square. The committee will also review membership changes and any declarations of interest.

Wetherspoons Premises Licence Application

A key item on the agenda is the consideration of a new premises licence application for a Wetherspoons pub, to be known as The Sorting Office, located at 1 Paddington Square, Westminster, London, W2 1DL. The application, reference number 26/05413/LIPN, seeks permission for the sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, as well as late-night refreshment.

The applicant, J D Wetherspoon Plc, proposes opening hours that extend beyond Westminster's Core Hours¹ for pubs and bars. Specifically, the application requests permission for the sale of alcohol from 8:00 am to 12:30 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and until 11:30 pm on other days. The premises would be open to the public from 6:30 am to 1:00 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and until 12:30 am on Sundays. Late-night refreshment is requested until 12:30 am from Thursday to Saturday.

The report pack indicates that representations have been received from Environmental Health and two residents' associations: the South East Bayswater Residents Association (SEBRA) and the Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA). Environmental Health has raised concerns about potential increases in public nuisance and impacts on public safety, noting that the applicant's submitted steps do not fully address these issues.

Both SEBRA and HPEA have formally objected to the application, primarily on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. They argue that the proposed hours are excessive and could lead to increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and potential crime and disorder. SEBRA specifically highlights that the requested hours for alcohol sales and late-night refreshment are significantly in excess of Westminster's Core Hours and suggests that the premises could become a destination venue for late-night drinking. HPEA echoes these concerns, suggesting that the premises should adhere to Westminster's Core Hours and proposing the need for security personnel from 9 pm.

The committee will need to consider these representations alongside the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy², which outlines the council's approach to licensing applications, including policies on general provisions (GEN1), hours (HRS1), and the definition of a public house or bar (PB1). The report also details mandatory conditions that must be applied to any licence granted, as well as proposed conditions from the applicant, responsible authorities, and interested parties. These proposed conditions cover various aspects, including staff training, CCTV requirements, incident reporting, and measures to prevent public nuisance, such as keeping doors and windows closed after 9 pm and restricting the taking of drinks outside.