The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) met on 14 August 2025, and approved a new premises licence for 63 Abbey Road, London, NW8 0AE. The committee agreed to grant the licence with conditions, permitting the sale of alcohol and defining opening times for the premises. The applicant, Calaviation Limited, intends to operate the premises as a family-friendly neighbourhood pub.

63 Abbey Road Licensing Application

Decision: The committee decided to grant the new premises licence for 63 Abbey Road, London, NW8 0AE, with specific conditions.

Calaviation Limited applied for a new premises licence to operate 63 Abbey Road as a family-friendly pub. The applicant was represented by Nathaniel Gadsby, agent on behalf of the applicant, and Will St John and Callum Murphy, directors of the applicant company. Karyn Abbot, Senior Licensing Officer, presented the application to the sub-committee.

The application seeks permission for the sale of alcohol from Mondays to Thursdays, 10:00 to 23:00; Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 to 23:30; and Sundays, 10:00 to 22:00. It also includes extended hours for New Year's Eve, Sundays before Bank Holiday Mondays and Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. The proposed opening times are Mondays to Thursdays, 10:00 to 23:30; Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 to 00:00; and Sundays, 10:00 to 22:30, with similar extensions for holidays.

The Public Reports Pack notes that the premises had a previous licence (23/04143/LIPDPSR) since September 2005, which was revoked on 26 June 2023.

Representations Received

Several representations were received regarding the application. The Metropolitan Police and Environmental Health Services initially raised concerns but withdrew their objections after the applicant agreed to proposed conditions. The St John's Wood Society also withdrew their objection after mediation. Four interested parties supported the application, while two raised objections.

Issues Raised and Addressed

The primary concerns from objectors related to potential disturbances and anti-social behaviour, based on experiences with previous establishments at the same location. These concerns included:

• Earlier closure of the outdoor area
• Restrictions on rubbish collection times
• Removal of outdoor furniture
• Noise from an exhaust fan
• Antisocial behaviour, including public urination
• A request to prohibit shisha¹ at the premises

To address these concerns, the applicant proposed several conditions, including:

• No service of food or beverages outdoors after 22:00
• Amending rubbish collection times to before 22:00
• Servicing or replacing all internal and external equipment
• Prohibiting the supply or use of shisha on the premises

The committee also discussed a 'no queuing' condition, but the applicant noted that while they did not anticipate queues, it would be difficult to manage, particularly for events like birthday parties.

Policy Considerations

The committee considered Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically Policy HRS 1 and Policy PB1. Policy HRS 1 generally grants applications within core hours², subject to other policies. Policy PB1 applies to applications outside the West End Cumulative Zone, requiring adherence to policies CD1, PS1, PN1, and CH1, and alignment with Core Hours Policy HRS1.

Conditions Imposed

The committee approved the licence with several conditions, including:

1. Adherence to mandatory conditions under the Licensing Act 2003.
2. Assessment by the Environmental Health Consultation Team before licensable activities begin.
3. Agreement on the premises' capacity with the Environmental Health Consultation Team.
4. A publicly available direct telephone number for the on-duty manager.
5. A personal licence holder on duty during alcohol sales.
6. No off-premises alcohol sales after 23:00.
7. Joining a local Pubwatch scheme.
8. Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system.
9. Maintenance of an incident log.
10. Implementation of measures to address serious assaults.
11. Maintenance of escape routes and emergency equipment.
12. Noise control measures.
13. Closure of windows and external doors after 21:00.
14. Outdoor tables and chairs to be rendered unusable by 22:30.
15. Prominent display of notices requesting patrons to respect local residents.
16. Proper waste management.
17. Supervision of patrons drinking or smoking outside.
18. Prevention of fumes, steam, or odours causing a nuisance.
19. Operation of a Challenge 25 scheme³.
20. Restrictions on entry for under-18s unless accompanied by an adult.
21. No glass containers to be taken outside by patrons, except in authorised external areas.
22. Completion of Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training by staff.
23. No service of hot food and hot drinks in the outside areas after 22:00.
24. No supply or smoking of shisha at the premises.

Rationale for the Decision

The committee noted the applicant's positive engagement with local residents and their willingness to address concerns. They also acknowledged the absence of objections from the Metropolitan Police, Licensing Authority, and Environmental Health Services. The conditions imposed were deemed proportionate and appropriate to address residents' concerns and promote the four licensing objectives⁴.

Councillor Aziz Toki, Chair of Licensing, summarised the committee's approval, highlighting the constructive engagement with residents and the willingness of the applicant to listen and create a foundation of a healthy relationship with the community.