The Camden Council Licensing Panel B met on 5 June 2025, and elected Councillor Lorna Greenwood as chair for the 2025/26 municipal year. The panel then considered an application to vary the premises licence for Wendy's at 189-191 Camden High Street, ultimately deciding to refuse the application. A new premises licence application for Roxy Ball Room, 246 High Holborn, was resolved ahead of the meeting and was not discussed.

Wendy's, 189-191 Camden High Street

The panel considered an application to vary the premises licence for Wendy's, seeking to extend licensable hours for late night refreshment. The panel ultimately decided to refuse the application.

The licensing officer summarised the report, noting that the licensing objectives engaged by the application were:

• the prevention of public nuisance
• prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• protection of children from harm

The premises was situated in the Camden Town special policy area¹ where there was a presumption to refuse all new or variation applications, and the hours policy was engaged as the proposed end times were outside the framework hours for licensable activities. The application did not include the council's Women's Safety principles.

PC Kevin Nicholls, representing PC Juan Gomez, Police Responsible Authority, highlighted points made in their written submission, including a supplementary statement. Lee Perella, Environmental Health Responsible Authority, and Steven Dormer, Licensing Authority Responsible Authority, also highlighted points from their submissions. Kathryn Gemmell of TRACT, an interested party, spoke against the application.

Luke Atkins, District Manager UK for Wendy's, and Paul Newton, Regional Operations Manager, summarised the application and responded to questions. They stated that team members wore Wendy's uniforms and were responsible for the area outside the venue, with SIA accredited security staff onsite during late-night hours. They were open to suggestions and further discussion, including a delivery-only option from 02:00.

PC Kevin Nicholls and Kathryn Gemmell made closing remarks, followed by Paul Newton.

During deliberations, the panel noted concerns about the premises being in Camden Town and the impact of extended hours on the area. They acknowledged the statistics on peak times for robberies and the negative impact of encouraging people to remain in the area. The proposal for delivery-only from 02:00 was rejected due to enforceability issues and potential disruption to residents. The panel acknowledged the objections from residents and workers in Camden Town.

The panel felt that the applicant had not rebutted the presumption to refuse the variation application, expressing concerns about detriment to licensing objectives to promote the prevention of public nuisance and of crime and disorder.

Roxy Ball Room, 246 High Holborn

A new premises licence application for Roxy Ball Room, 246 High Holborn, was resolved ahead of the meeting and was not discussed.