The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council was scheduled to consider three licensing applications. These included a variation to the premises licence for Smiths Bar and Grill, a premises licence variation for Slim Chickens, and a new premises licence for 72-74 Edgware Road.

Smiths Bar and Grill, 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY

The committee was scheduled to discuss a variation application for Smiths Bar and Grill, located at 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY. The application sought to remove a condition that restricted regulated entertainment to the basement of the premises. It also proposed to amend another condition and add two new conditions relating to live music. These new conditions would require live music to be played at a volume and in a manner that prevents noise disturbance to nearby residential properties, with measures such as keeping doors and windows closed during performances and monitoring noise levels. The applicant, London Restaurants Limited, stated that the purpose of the variation was to allow a musician and DJ to perform on the ground floor, creating ambience for the restaurant.

However, the application received significant objections from residents and the Environmental Health Service. Concerns were raised about potential increases in public nuisance, noise disturbance, and the historical issues with noise complaints from the premises. Residents highlighted the proximity of residential accommodation and the potential for amplified music to negatively impact their quality of life. The Environmental Health Service made a representation stating that the application to extend regulated entertainment to the entire premises would likely cause an increase in public nuisance.

Slim Chickens, 167-169 Edgware Road, London W2 2HR

A premises licence variation for Slim Chickens, located at 167-169 Edgware Road, London W2 2HR, was scheduled for discussion. The application sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment, both indoors and outdoors, until 1:00 AM from Monday to Saturday. The current licence allows late-night refreshment until 11:30 PM on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant proposed that this extension would be for delivery services only, with a condition that collection for delivery would occur within the premises.

This application also faced objections from residents and the Environmental Health Service. The Environmental Health Service raised concerns that the extension of hours for late-night refreshment would likely lead to an increase in public nuisance and potentially impact public safety within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone. Residents expressed worries about increased noise, litter, anti-social behaviour, and offensive smells, particularly given the proximity of residential areas. Concerns were also raised about the security risk posed by rear fire exits being left open and the potential for increased crime and disorder. The application was noted to be within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone, which is subject to specific policies regarding licensing applications.

72-74 Edgware Road, London W2 2EG

The committee was also scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 72-74 Edgware Road, London W2 2EG. The report pack indicated that the proposed licensable activities included the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and recorded music, with proposed hours extending until 12:30 AM from Monday to Saturday and 11:30 PM on Sundays.

Representations were made by the Environmental Health Service, raising concerns that the requested hours and activities would likely cause an increase in public nuisance and potentially impact public safety within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone. Objections were also submitted by local residents and councillors. Concerns included the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance from noise and litter, and public safety issues, particularly given the proximity of residential accommodation and the location within a Special Consideration Zone. Specific issues raised included the potential for increased drug trading, violence, and anti-social behaviour, as well as the impact of late-night operations on residents. Councillors also noted that the proposed hours were beyond the council's core hours and that the nature of the restaurant with a bar needed to be clarified, with a preference for alcohol sales to be ancillary to table meals.