The Licensing Review Sub-Committee met to discuss a review of the premises licence for Hayatt Lounge and to commence a consultation on a revised Statement of Licensing Policy. The sub-committee approved recommendations to modify the terminal hours for licensable activities at Hayatt Lounge and approved commencement of the formal statutory consultation on a revised new Statement of Licensing Policy.

Review of Premises Licence for Hayatt Lounge

The sub-committee reviewed the premises licence for Hayatt Lounge, 114-126 Westmoor Street, following an application for a summary review by the Metropolitan Police. The application was made on the grounds that the premises are associated with serious crime and disorder. The sub-committee resolved to modify the terminal hours for the permitted licensing activities. All licensable activities must end at:

• Monday to Wednesday, 2.30am, with the premises closed to the public at 3am
• Thursday to Sunday, 3.30am, with the premises closed to the public at 4am

The interim steps imposed on 31 July 2025 were ceased, and no new interim steps were imposed.

The Licensing Sub-Committee (LSC ) considered the council’s Statement of Licensing Policy, the Licensing Act 2003, the regulations made under it, and the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of that Act. The LSC aimed to promote the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm.

The LSC considered evidence from the police, including a letter dated 18 August 2025, and submissions regarding street crime and crimes associated with Hayatt Lounge. Police counsel stated that the majority of serious crime incidents occurred after 2am, outside the premises or in the immediate vicinity, involving patrons or those attempting to gain entry, and violence involving security staff. They argued that the crime and disorder was associated with the premises, referencing paragraphs 11.7, 11.20 and 11.26 of the section 182 Guidance, which empowers the Licensing Authority to take appropriate steps to remedy problems and promote licensing objectives, even when premises are compliant with conditions. The police stated that the increase in violence had been incremental since the premises changed to a late-night club and bar, particularly after the variation permitting vertical drinking¹ in designated areas from July 2024. They noted 48 crime incidents associated with the premises, more than other similar venues.

Counsel for the licence holder argued for a reasonable remedy, stating that the summary review was an attack on the premises, which had suffered a 74% drop in customer numbers during the interim steps. They claimed the business could not survive if operating hours were reduced to 1.30am, and that the problems were not due to mismanagement, serving the African community, and occurring outside the premises. They referenced paragraph 9.44, arguing that the LSC should consider the financial effect upon the premises, as reduced hours would effectively revoke the licence.

However, the LSC noted that paragraph 9.44 also states that the authority must limit its considerations to the promotion of the licensing objectives. Counsel for the licence holder conceded there had been an increase in crime and disorder.

In response, police counsel argued that the police application was not an attack on the premises, but that the premises were causing an increase in crime and disorder, as conceded by the licence holder's counsel. They stated that increased operating hours had increased crime incidents, and the issues were not about what the business controls but that the premises were attracting people into the area with late-night alcohol provision. They argued that the premises had not been proactive in promoting the licensing objectives, with previous noise nuisance only resolved after intervention by authorities, and the expert report for this review served reactively on 20 August 2025. They felt the reduction of hours offered by the licence holder did not go far enough, and existing security and cameras had not prevented the serious crime and disorder.

Counsel for the premises repeated that the LSC should not destroy the business, which was valuable to the African and Caribbean community, with the general manager echoing this and highlighting the potential unemployment of 50 people.

The LSC noted the submissions of the expert for the premises but were not persuaded that their recommendations or additional security would make any difference to the problems outside the premises, given the considerable security measures already in place.

The LSC determined that there had been an increase in crime and disorder with the increase in the business's opening hours. The incidents relied upon by the police for the summary review were an average of one per month. The absence of a police presence was failing to prevent the crime and disorder, and there was no crime inside the premises or breach of licence conditions.

Statement of Licensing Policy

The sub-committee approved the commencement of the formal statutory consultation on a revised new Statement of Licensing Policy under the terms of the Licensing Act 2003.