The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster Council was scheduled to consider four licensing applications. These included new premises licences for two properties on Floral Court, a new premises licence for The Trocadero, and a variation of a premises licence for Crockfords Club.

Licensing Applications for Determination

1 Floral Court, Westminster, London, WC2E 9FB

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 1 Floral Court, Westminster, London, WC2E 9FB. The application sought authorisation for the supply of alcohol both on and off the premises from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 00:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 22:30. Additionally, the application requested permission for late-night refreshment indoors only from Monday to Saturday between 23:00 and 00:00. The premises are situated within the West End Cumulative Impact Area.

Representations were received from Environmental Health, the Licensing Authority, and an interested party. Environmental Health raised concerns that the requested hours for the supply of alcohol and late-night refreshment could lead to an increase in public nuisance and impact public safety. The Licensing Authority also expressed concerns regarding the promotion of the four licensing objectives: public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and protection of children from harm. They noted that the proposed hours fall outside Westminster's core hours for restaurants and highlighted the high incident rate within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone. An interested party objected to the proposed hours for outdoor seating and serving, requesting a restriction to 22:30 to avoid disturbing residents.

2 Floral Court, Westminster, London, WC2E 9FB

A new premises licence was scheduled for consideration for 2 Floral Court, Westminster, London, WC2E 9FB. The application requested the retail sale of alcohol on and off the premises from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 00:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 22:30. Late-night refreshment was requested indoors only from Monday to Saturday, 23:00 to 00:00. The premises are located within the West End Cumulative Impact Area.

Similar to the application for 1 Floral Court, representations were received from Environmental Health and the Licensing Authority, raising concerns about public nuisance, public safety, and the potential impact on the West End Cumulative Impact Zone. The Licensing Authority noted that the proposed opening hours differed from the operating schedule and that the application sought hours outside Westminster's core hours for restaurants. They also questioned the applicant's proposals for private functions and requested further submissions. Two interested parties submitted objections, requesting that outdoor seating and serving be restricted to 22:30 to respect residents' rights to peace and quiet.

3 Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street, London, W1D 7DH

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for The Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street, London, W1D 7DH. The application was made by Genting Casinos UK Limited and sought to authorise the operation of a casino, with ancillary restaurant and bar facilities, over multiple floors. The proposed hours for licensable activities, including films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, performance of dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol, were generally set from 00:00 to 23:59 daily, with late-night refreshment extending to 05:00 from Monday to Sunday. The premises are located within the West End Cumulative Impact Area.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, the Metropolitan Police Service, The Soho Society, and several members of the public. The Licensing Authority raised concerns about how the premises would promote the four licensing objectives and noted the significant increase in capacity compared to the existing licence. They also proposed model conditions regarding advertising and touting. Environmental Health raised concerns about potential adverse impacts on public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm, particularly given the premises' location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone. The Metropolitan Police Service objected, citing the high crime figures in the area and the potential for the premises to become a destination venue attracting customers who would otherwise not be in the area. The Soho Society also objected, highlighting the concentration of licensed premises and the potential for increased crime, disorder, and nuisance, referencing the Cumulative Impact Assessment 2023.

4 Crockfords Club, Worcester House, 30 Curzon Street, London, W1J 7TN

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation of a premises licence for Crockfords Club, Worcester House, 30 Curzon Street, London, W1J 7TN. The application, made by Genting Casinos UK Limited, sought to relocate the existing converted casino premises licence to a new site at The Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street, London, W1D 7DH. The current licence permits gambling activities 24 hours a day.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, and the Metropolitan Police Service. The Licensing Authority noted that the relocation application would be treated as a new application and requested further submissions on measures to mitigate risks to customers departing the premises and to address potential victimisation. Environmental Health raised concerns about potential adverse impacts on public nuisance and public safety. The Metropolitan Police Service objected, citing the high crime levels in the proposed new location and the potential for increased crime and disorder. The Soho Society also objected, highlighting the increased capacity and the relocation into the West End Cumulative Impact Zone, arguing it would exacerbate existing issues.

The agenda also included standard items such as reporting changes to membership and receiving declarations of interest. The committee was advised to have regard to the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy and guidance issued by the Secretary of State under the Licensing Act 2003. The report pack also outlined the core hours for various types of licensed premises within the City of Westminster.