Here is a briefing on the upcoming Licensing Sub-Committee (2) meeting.

The City of Westminster Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to consider several licensing applications. The most significant item involves a premises licence variation for a McDonald's restaurant, with concerns raised by residents and the police. The sub-committee will also consider a new premises licence for a cafe in Regent's Park, and another for premises on Warwick Street.

Here are the main items on the agenda:

McDonald's, 155 Victoria Street - Premises Licence Variation

The committee will consider an application to vary the premises licence for McDonald's at 155 Victoria Street, London, submitted by Smash Operations Limited.

The proposed variation seeks to extend the hours for late-night refreshment to 23:00-05:00 every night and to extend the opening hours to 05:00-05:00 daily, enabling the premises to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for in-store, deliveries and takeaways.

The report pack notes that the premises has held a premises licence since August 2005.

The applicant, Smash Operations Limited, has stated that it recognises its duty to promote the licensing objectives¹ by extending the opening hours, and that the systems in place are robust and thorough. The applicant has proposed several conditions to be added to the licence, including:

• Maintaining a daily incident log.
• Ensuring all staff are trained in legal requirements relating to late-night refreshment.
• Providing safety and security training for all shift managers.
• Conducting risk assessments for the need for door staff.
• Using SIA² registered door supervisors equipped with body-worn video cameras.
• Proactively monitoring conduct outside the premises.
• Installing a Staffsafe system with audio and visual monitoring.
• Operating a No Open Alcohol Containers policy.
• Conducting regular litter patrols.
• Keeping the pavement outside the premises swept.
• Holding meetings every six months with local ward councillors and residents' associations.
• Ensuring no music or amplified sound causes a nuisance.
• Preventing noise or vibration from plant operations causing a nuisance.
• Ensuring cooking smells do not cause a nuisance.
• Displaying notices requesting patrons to respect local residents.
• Ensuring delivery drivers behave in a manner that does not cause noise disturbance.
• Operating a Dispersal Policy.
• Providing a dedicated area for delivery drivers to wait inside the premises.

Representations have been received from the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health, and several residents. The Metropolitan Police Service has objected to the application, stating that it is likely to undermine the prevention of crime and disorder. Environmental Health has raised concerns that the proposal may undermine the licensing objectives of public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. Residents have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, noise, and litter. One resident withdrew their objection after meeting with McDonald's.

The sub-committee is advised to consider the City of Westminster statement of Licensing Policy, effective from October 2021, and any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 the Licensing Act 2003.

The sub-committee is also advised of the core hours set out in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021, which for fast food venues are:

• Monday to Thursday: 10:00 to 23:30
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 24:00
• Sunday: 12:00 to 22:30
• Sundays Immediately Prior To A Bank Holiday: 12:00 to 24:00

The report pack includes several appendices, including the premises licence, applicant supporting documents, interested party supporting documents, premises history, proposed conditions, and a residential map and list of premises in the vicinity.

The report author is named as Kevin Jackaman, Senior Licensing Officer.

Benugo Waterside Cafe, Outer Circle, Regent's Park - New Premises Licence

The sub-committee will consider an application for a new premises licence for Benugo Waterside Cafe, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, submitted by Benugo Limited.

The premises intends to operate as a cafe on one floor within Regent's Park with outside seating. The applicant originally applied for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, however, following consultation with Environmental Health, they withdrew their request for on sales. The applicant is now only seeking a licence for off sales of alcohol.

The applicant has provided a mediation email.

The report pack notes that this is a new premises application and therefore no Premises Licence history exists.

A representation was received from Environmental Health, but was withdrawn on 2 June 2025 following an agreement of conditions with the applicant. A representation was also received from the Metropolitan Police Service, but was withdrawn on 7 April 2025.

Representations have been received from other persons, both in support of and objecting to the application. Those objecting to the application are concerned about the sale of alcohol without food, and the potential for the premises to function as a bar. Those supporting the application say that Benugo venues are extremely well run by sensible staff.

The sub-committee is advised to consider the City of Westminster statement of Licensing Policy, effective from October 2021, and any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 the Licensing Act 2003.

The sub-committee is also advised of the core hours set out in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021, which for restaurants are:

• Monday to Thursday: 09:00 to 23:30
• Friday and Saturday: 09:00 to 24:00
• Sunday: 09:00 to 22:30
• Sundays Immediately Prior To A Bank Holiday: 09:00 to 24:00

The report pack includes several appendices, including the premises plans, applicant supporting documents, premises history, proposed conditions, and a residential map and list of premises in the vicinity.

The report author is named as Jessica Donovan, Senior Licensing Officer.

Basement and Ground Floor, 11 Warwick Street - New Premises Licence

The sub-committee will consider an application for a new premises licence for Basement and Ground Floor, 11 Warwick Street, London, submitted by Soho Sip Limited.

According to the application form, the premises intends to trade as a coffee shop.

The report pack notes that this is a new premises licence application therefore no licence history exists.

A representation has been received from Environmental Health, and from the Licensing Authority Representative, but both have been withdrawn following an agreement of conditions with the applicant. A representation has been received from other persons, objecting to the application. The Soho Society objects to the application, stating that the premises is situated within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate they will not increase cumulative impact and will promote the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Authority note the applicant has proposed very little detail within their operating schedule and encourage the applicant to provide answers to the questions included in the report.

The sub-committee is advised to consider the City of Westminster statement of Licensing Policy, effective from October 2021, and any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 the Licensing Act 2003.

The sub-committee is also advised of the core hours set out in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021, which for restaurants are:

• Monday to Thursday: 09:00 to 23:30
• Friday and Saturday: 09:00 to 24:00
• Sunday: 09:00 to 22:30
• Sundays Immediately Prior To A Bank Holiday: 09:00 to 24:00

The report pack includes several appendices, including the premises plans, applicant supporting documents, premises history, proposed conditions, and a residential map and list of premises in the vicinity.

The report author is named as Ola Ajose-Adeogun, Senior Licensing Officer.