The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for The Willett Building, located at 34-37 Sloane Square, London. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol and the provision of late-night refreshments. Several representations were made concerning the application, primarily focusing on potential public nuisance.

Application for a Premises Licence at The Willett Building

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application by Cadogan Estates Limited for a premises licence for The Willett Building, located at 34-37 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AN. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption, as well as the provision of late-night refreshments indoors. The proposed operating hours included sales of alcohol from 8:00 AM to midnight Monday to Saturday, and until 11:00 PM on Sundays. The premises would be open to the public from 8:00 AM to 12:30 AM Monday to Saturday, and until 11:30 PM on Sundays.

The applicant, Cadogan Estates Limited, proposed a series of conditions 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 included measures such as the availability of substantial food, a 'Challenge 25' age verification policy, CCTV installation, maintenance of an incident log, and the submission of a Dispersal and External Management Plan.

However, the application had attracted representations from various parties. Mr. Matt McIlroy, from the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance team, raised concerns regarding public nuisance. He proposed specific conditions related to odour control and acoustic performance. Additionally, two residents, Aletha Hoy and Christopher Laybutt, submitted representations opposing the application. Their concerns centred on the potential impact of outdoor seating and extended licensing hours on noise levels, privacy, and general disorder in the predominantly residential area of Sloane Gardens. They specifically highlighted the impact on families with young children and the existing issues with traffic and noise in the vicinity.

The report pack also noted that the premises currently has Class 'E' usage, which covers restaurants, and that planning permission restricts its use to between 8:00 AM and 1:00 AM daily. The planning department had no objections to the licensing application.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was presented with the options to grant the application in full, modify the proposed conditions, refuse to specify a designated premises supervisor, or reject the application in whole or in part. The decision was to be made with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives and in accordance with the council's Statement of Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State's Guidance.