The Westminster Council Licensing Sub-Committee (2) convened on 13 November 2025, addressing licensing applications for several establishments. A new premises licence was granted for 14-15 Eccleston Yard, while a variation to an existing premises licence was approved for Jaks at 43 South Molton Street. A temporary event notice for Convenience 65 at 47 Aldwych was rejected due to concerns from the Metropolitan Police and Environmental Health.

Convenience 65, 47 Aldwych

The sub-committee rejected a temporary event notice (TEN) for Convenience 65 at 47 Aldwych. The applicant, Mr Krish Virani, sought permission to sell alcohol from 26 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, including over New Year's Eve.

Both the Metropolitan Police and Environmental Health objected to the TEN. The police cited concerns about potential crime, disorder, and public nuisance, given the already high policing demands on New Year's Eve. Environmental Health raised concerns about insufficient information regarding the upholding of licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm, and the impact on public safety during the New Year's Eve event on the river.

Correspondence included in the follow on agenda reveals that Mr Virani was unwilling to amend the TEN despite the police objection, wishing instead for the matter to be decided by the Licensing Sub Committee. Mr Virani provided further clarification to Environmental Health on how the licensing objectives would be upheld, including measures to prevent public nuisance (signage, staff monitoring), protect children from harm (adult-focused event, ID checks, Challenge 25¹ policy), and ensure public safety (capacity limits, clear emergency exits, controlled entry and dispersal).

Despite these assurances, the sub-committee sided with the police and Environmental Health, preventing the event from taking place.

Jaks, 43 South Molton Street

The sub-committee approved a variation to an existing premises licence for Jaks at 43 South Molton Street. The applicant, JAKS Holdings Limited, sought to amend condition 54 of the premises licence, which previously restricted any entry or re-entry after 01:00. The proposed variation would allow a maximum of 10 people to leave temporarily to smoke, without taking drinks outside.

The Licensing Officer, Ms Jessica Donovan, noted that representations had been received from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and two interested parties. However, the MPS withdrew their representation after the applicant agreed to additional conditions.

Mr Jack Spiegler, solicitor for the applicant, explained that the existing condition had been agreed in 2022 but had unforeseen consequences, potentially leading to conflict and smokers loitering outside. The proposed change aimed to enhance the guest experience and facilitate the management of guests during dispersal.

To address concerns, the applicant agreed to two additional conditions:

• An SIA² registered supervisor would be on duty after 01:00 to supervise smokers outside, ensuring orderly conduct and preventing public nuisance.
• Notices would be prominently displayed in smoking areas, requesting patrons to respect local residents.

The committee agreed that the variation would make the licence more practical. The committee was reassured that the addition of further conditions, agreed with one of the concerned interested parties, would have the effect of preventing any noise nuisance in conflict with the Licensing Objectives.

The sub-committee decided to vary condition 54 and add the two additional conditions to the licence.

14-15 Eccleston Yard

The sub-committee granted a new premises licence to Amie Wine Ltd for 14-15 Eccleston Yard, described as a restaurant with external seating.

Ms Donovan, the Licensing Officer, outlined the application, noting that the Environmental Health Service (EHS) had initially raised concerns but withdrew their representation after the applicant agreed to certain conditions. One representation was received from an interested party objecting to the application, and five representations were received from interested parties in support of the application.

Mr Alun Thomas, solicitor for the applicant, explained that the application was for a restaurant, Weezie's , which would operate as a pizzeria. He noted that the applicant had extensive experience in the location, already running the Amie Wine retail store at 12-13 Eccleston Yard. Following a site visit, the applicant agreed to additional and amended conditions with the EHS to prevent public nuisance.

Mr Thomas addressed the concerns of the resident who objected, stating that there would be three toilets available in the new premises, alleviating concerns about sanitary provision in the yard. He also confirmed there would be no use of delivery apps.

Mr Will Sandbach, representing the applicant company, said that they wished to create a great affordable pizza restaurant within Eccleston Yard, serving New Haven style pizza.

The committee decided to grant the licence, permitting the sale of alcohol (on and off the premises) and setting the hours the premises are open to the public. The decision was influenced by the withdrawal of the EHS representation, the lack of objections from the Metropolitan Police, and the applicant's credible operation of an adjacent business.

The committee imposed conditions consistent with the operating schedule, including that the licensable activities authorised by this licence and provided at the premises shall be ancillary to the main function of the premises as a restaurant.

12 North Row

The application for a new premises licence for 12 North Row was withdrawn by the applicant before the hearing.