The Licensing Sub-Committee (6) convened to address several licensing applications, including a request to rescind the designation for a street trading pitch on Portman Street and designate a new location on Oxford Street, as well as considering premises licence variations for Boxcar Baker & Deli, and new premises licences for 57 and 107 Westbourne Grove and Ground Floor West, 34 Bruton Place. Decisions on these applications were made during the meeting.

Street Trading Pitch Designation

The committee considered a request to rescind the designation for Pitch 3005 on Portman Street and designate a new location for the isolated pitch on Oxford Street. This matter was brought forward because of highway works undertaken as part of the Baker Street Two-Way project in 2018, which led to the relocation of traffic signals, rendering the original pitch location unsuitable.

The council's Street Trading Policy allows for the de-designation of pitches that are no longer suitable for licensed street trading and the identification of new sites for designation.

The Licensing Service conducted consultations with the Highway Authority, police, the licensee, and their representative. A representation was received from Eugene O'Regan, representing the licence holder, requesting an alternative location and an increase in pitch size. A secondary consultation was then carried out, and an objection was received from the Head of Highways Planning, Sean Dwyer, regarding the alternative location due to concerns about removing cycle racks from Oxford Street.

Boxcar Baker & Deli, 7A Wyndham Place, London, W1H 1PN

The committee reviewed an application for a variation of a premises licence for Boxcar Baker & Deli. The applicant, Boxcar Limited, sought to remove condition 19, which limited alcohol consumption to a maximum of eight people in the outside area, and replace it with a condition stating that alcohol consumption should only be by patrons seated at tables within the premises or pursuant to a pavement licence.

Environmental Health initially raised concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety but withdrew their representation after the applicant agreed to additional conditions. Objections were received from local residents, primarily concerning potential noise levels, antisocial behaviour, and the impact on the area, which they said was already affected by late-night drinking at the nearby Duke of Wellington pub.

The applicant argued that the existing condition was difficult to monitor and caused confusion among patrons. They also stated that alcohol sales constituted a small percentage of their overall revenue. They also stated that the premises had a pavement licence¹ allowing tables and chairs outside until 16:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on weekends.

57 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UA

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for 57 Westbourne Grove. The applicant, Farrow Properties Ltd, sought a replacement licence for a previously licensed restaurant, with the same licensing activities, hours, and conditions as the previous licence.

Environmental Health initially objected, citing concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety, and requested further information on sound insulation, odour prevention, and other factors. The Metropolitan Police also initially objected, citing concerns about crime and disorder within the Queensway/Bayswater Special Consideration Zone² but withdrew their objection after the applicant agreed to additional conditions. Objections were also received from local residents, citing concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour, and the impact on the residential community.

107 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UW

The committee reviewed an application for a new premises licence for 107 Westbourne Grove. The applicant, Garden Gate Properties Ltd, sought to operate a restaurant on the ground floor and basement.

Environmental Health initially objected, citing concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety, and requested further information on sound insulation, odour prevention, and other factors. The Metropolitan Police also initially objected, citing concerns about crime and disorder within the Queensway/Bayswater Special Consideration Zone but withdrew their objection after the applicant agreed to additional conditions. Objections were also received from local residents, citing concerns about noise and public disturbance.

Ground Floor West, 34 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NR

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Ground Floor West, 34 Bruton Place. The applicant, Ametora Leisure Group Limited, sought to operate a small, high-end cocktail bar.

Environmental Health initially objected, citing concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety. Objections were also received from local residents, citing concerns about the area becoming over-commercialised and the potential for noise and disturbance. One resident stated that Bruton Place is not Soho where late night premises are a typical and accepted facility. The application included a request for off-sales of alcohol for events and for a small number of customers using tables outside the premises, subject to a pavement licence. The applicant proposed a number of conditions to promote the licensing objectives, including a noise limiter and a commitment to working with the council's Environmental Health consultation team.