The Camden Council Licensing Panel C convened on Thursday, 24 July 2025, for a remote meeting to address licensing matters within the borough. Councillor Jonathan Simpson MBE, Chair of Licensing Committee, Councillor Nina De Ayala Parker, Councillor Matthew Kirk and Councillor Patricia Leman (Deputy Mayor) were scheduled to attend. The panel was expected to consider a new premises licence application for Fiena Cafe, and to review guidance on remote meetings.

Fiena Cafe - New Premises Licence Application

The panel was scheduled to review an application for a new premises licence for Fiena Cafe located at Unit 4, Medway Court, Judd Street, Bloomsbury, WC1H 9QX. The application, submitted under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, requests permission for the following:

• Sale of Alcohol (on the premises only):
  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 to 23:30
  • Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 00:00
  • Sunday: 11:00 to 22:30
• Late Night Refreshment:
  • Monday to Thursday: 23:00 to 23:30
  • Friday and Saturday: 23:00 to 00:00
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 00:00
  • Friday and Saturday: 08:00 to 00:30
  • Sunday: 08:00 to 23:00

The report pack included a location map, the application form, relevant representations, conditions consistent with the operating schedule, and legal and finance comments.

Two representations were received opposing the application, one from a resident association and another from a resident.

Sarah Friday of the Medway Court Tenants and Residents Association raised concerns regarding noise and smells, stating:

Noise: The noise from street level amplifies as it moves up Medway Court, Given this we do not to add to the alraedy significant noise problems we have. Smeil: we don't want smell of cigarettes, or from the cooking of meals. Taking up public space, the furniture the cafe have outside spreads out onto pavement area and the curtilage of Medway Court (see photos).

Oliver Josephs, a resident of Rashleigh House, Thanet Street, raised concerns regarding:

• Noise and Nuisance
• Impact on Children
• Safety Concerns
• Precedent for the Area

The report that was provided to the panel stated that the licensing objectives engaged by this application are:

• The Prevention of Crime and Disorder
• The Prevention of Public Nuisance
• Public Safety
• The Protection of Children from Harm

The report also stated that the Camden Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2027 encourages licensed premises to act responsibly, taking all forms of female harassment seriously, and to consider and implement the following principles in their day-to-day operations:

• Let's Communicate
• Supporting Each Other
• Training for All

The report noted that the application included these principles.

The report also stated that the premises policies currently engaged by this application are:

• Restaurants, cafes and coffee houses
• Premises supplying hot food and drink between 11:00 pm and 05:00 am

The report recommended that the panel determine the application for a new premises licence under section 18 of the Licensing Act 2003, and outlined the options available to the panel, including granting the application in full or with revised conditions, or rejecting the application in whole or in part.

Guidance on Remote Meetings

The panel was also scheduled to agree on the procedure rules for remote meetings held under the Licensing Act 2003 and associated regulations. The guidance covers various aspects of remote hearings, including:

• The system for conducting remote hearings using Microsoft Teams.
• Procedures prior to the hearing, such as agenda publication and submission of late papers.
• Rules for participation during the hearing, including attendance confirmation, quorum requirements, and debate protocols.
• Protocols for interruptions to connections and voting procedures.
• Guidelines for handling confidential or exempt items.
• Considerations for equalities and accessibility for participants with disabilities.

The guidance also addresses public participation, emphasizing that licensing hearings do not take deputations, but instead require applicants/licence holders/parties making representations to declare their intention to address the committee beforehand. It also stresses the importance of identifying a single speaker for each party.

Other Matters

The agenda also included standard items such as the election of a chair, apologies for absence, declarations of interest, announcements, and approval of the minutes from the meeting held on 12 June 2025¹.