A Licensing Sub-Committee of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for YRS LDN, located at 1A Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP. The application seeks permission to operate as a restaurant and bar, with proposed hours extending until 4:00 am seven days a week. A significant number of representations have been received from residents, local businesses, and council officers, raising concerns about the potential impact on public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety.

Application for a Premises Licence at 1A Kensington High Street

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for YRS LDN, situated at 1A Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP. The applicant, YRS LDN Ltd, is seeking permission to operate as a restaurant and bar, with proposed licensable activities including the exhibition of films, live and recorded music, performances of dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. The application proposes operating hours from 12:00 pm to 4:00 am daily, with the premises remaining open to the public until 4:30 am.

The report pack details the history of the premises, which previously held a licence under the name Jako. This licence was revoked by the Licensing Sub-Committee on 8 February 2022 following a summary review initiated by the Metropolitan Police due to serious crime and disorder, including a triple stabbing incident that occurred outside the premises. The current application is for a new licence, and the applicant has outlined proposed steps to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These proposed measures include the installation of CCTV, an incident log, staff training, and a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme.

However, the application has generated significant concern, with numerous representations submitted by various parties. PC Charlotte Bennett of the Metropolitan Police has raised concerns regarding the proposed operating hours and the need for appropriate management, given the premises' history. The Licensing Authority, represented by Licensing Enforcement Officer Ms Laura McGahon, has also made representations, highlighting the premises' past revocation and the lack of detailed information regarding the proposed operating model. Mr Philip Richardson, Principal Environmental Health Officer for the Noise and Nuisance Team, has objected on the grounds of preventing public nuisance, suggesting revised terminal hours and specific acoustic conditions.

In addition to representations from responsible authorities, the council has received 28 objections from other persons. These include objections from Councillor Max Dodd-Noble and Councillor Lucy Shaw, the Kensington Court Residents' Association, and numerous individual residents and businesses, including The Milestone Hotel & Residences. The core of these objections centres on the proposed late operating hours, the historical issues of noise, disorder, and public nuisance associated with the premises, and the proximity to residential properties. Many objectors argue that the proposed hours are inconsistent with the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which generally limits licensable activities to midnight in residential areas. Concerns are also raised about the potential for increased crime, anti-social behaviour, litter, and disturbance to residents' peace and safety.

The Licensing Sub-Committee will need to consider these representations and the applicant's proposed measures when determining whether to grant the licence, and if so, what conditions should be attached. The decision will be made with regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Secretary of State's Guidance, and the council's own Statement of Licensing Policy.

The documents related to this meeting include the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.