The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence for Ricco Lounge & Club, Basement, 11 Russell Gardens, London, W14 8EZ. The applicant, Chelsea Events & Entertainment Ltd, sought to secure a licence for the exhibition of films, live music, recorded music, dance performances, similar entertainment, late-night refreshments, and the retail sale of alcohol. Councillors were also scheduled to review representations made regarding the application.

Ricco Lounge & Club - Premises Licence Application

Chelsea Events & Entertainment Ltd applied for a new premises licence for Ricco Lounge & Club, outlining plans for a restaurant, pre-bookable event space, takeaway, and cocktail bar with an outside dining area. The application detailed the proposed hours for licensable activities, including the sale of alcohol, film exhibitions, live music, recorded music, dance, and late-night refreshments.

The proposed hours were:

• Sale of alcohol: Monday, 10:00 to 24:00; Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 00:30
• Film Exhibitions: Monday, 10:00 to 24:00; Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 00:30
• Live Music: Monday, 10:00 to 24:00; Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 00:30
• Recorded Music: Monday, 10:00 to 24:00; Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 00:30
• Performance of Dance: Monday, 10:00 to 24:00; Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 00:30
• Late Night Refreshments: Monday, 23:00 to 24:00; Tuesday to Sunday, 23:00 to 00:30
• Hours open to the public: Monday 10:00 to 00:30, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 01:00

The application included a request for seasonal variations, specifically allowing extended hours on New Year's Eve from the end of permitted hours on New Year's Eve to the start of permitted hours on the following day.

The designated premises supervisor was listed as Mr Francesco Di Bello.

The applicant volunteered several steps to promote the licensing objectives, including:

• Operating as an Italian restaurant with a minimum of 14 tables and 70 chairs.
• Providing waiter/waitress service at all times.
• Ensuring substantial food and non-intoxicating beverages are available.
• Limiting the total number of people on the premises to 120.
• Maintaining a CCTV system meeting Metropolitan Police requirements.
• Displaying notices requesting patrons to respect local residents and promoting the 'Challenge 25' scheme.
• Keeping an incident log available for inspection.
• Training staff and maintaining training records.
• Implementing measures for responsible alcohol delivery.
• Serving alcohol only with table meals.
• Conducting right to work checks for employees.
• Holding a current Fire Risk Assessment.
• Preventing noise nuisance and disturbance to nearby residents.
• Actively participating in a local Pub Watch scheme.
• Closing windows and doors when music is playing.
• Limiting the number of smokers outside the premises.
• Operating a 'Challenge 25' proof of age scheme.
• Restricting entry to those under 18 after 21:00 unless accompanied by an adult.

Representations

The licensing authority received two representations opposing the application, citing concerns about potential disturbances and anti-social behaviour, based on the premises' history. Residents expressed fears of a repeat of previous incidents, including fights, drug use, noise, and parking issues.

Other Information

The report pack also noted that seventeen noise/nuisance complaints had been received in the preceding 24 months, and the premises had been subject to five Temporary Event Notices¹ in the past year.

The planning department confirmed that the premises had historically operated as a nightclub, with a Certificate of Lawfulness granted in October 2005. However, the planning officer noted that if the premises were to continue operating as a nightclub, it may be in breach of planning control.

Previous Licence

The premises previously traded as Ricco Lounge & Club, but its premises licence was revoked on 26 July 2024, following a summary review sought by the police due to concerns about serious crime. The previous licence permitted a range of activities, including the sale of alcohol, recorded and live music, dance performances, late-night refreshments and film exhibitions.

The report pack included a copy of the previous premises licence and the decision to revoke it.

Licensing Considerations

The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to consider the application in light of the licensing objectives, representations received, and relevant guidance and policies. The options available to the sub-committee were to:

• Grant the application in full.
• Modify the conditions of the licence.
• Refuse to specify a person in the licence as the designated premises supervisor.
• Reject the whole or part of the application.