The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council was scheduled to consider two licensing applications. These included a variation to the premises licence for Barburrito at Paddington Station and a new premises licence application for Circle Cafe on Vauxhall Bridge Road.

Barburrito - Unit 18, The Lawn, Paddington Station, Praed Street, London, W2 1RL

The committee was scheduled to discuss a variation application for the Barburrito premises located at Paddington Station. The application sought to permit the sale of alcohol off the premises, remove several existing conditions related to alcohol sales, allow for the siting of ordering kiosks, and amend the hours for late-night refreshment and the sale of alcohol.

The report pack indicated that the Metropolitan Police Service initially objected to the application on the grounds of undermining the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and public safety. However, this objection was later withdrawn on 9 March 2026 after a number of conditions were agreed with the applicant.

The Environmental Health Service also made representations, initially objecting due to concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety, particularly regarding the proposed removal of conditions and extended hours outside of core hours. Environmental Health later withdrew their representation on 8 April 2026 due to a reduction in the proposed hours for the sale of alcohol and agreed conditions with the applicant.

Several interested parties, including the South East Bayswater Residents Association (SEBRA), the Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA), and the Paddington Waterways & Maida Vale Society (PWMVS), submitted objections. Their concerns primarily focused on the potential for increased public nuisance and disorder in the Paddington station area and surrounding vicinity. They raised specific objections to the removal of conditions related to self-service of alcohol, waiter/waitress service, and the proposal to allow discounted drinks deals.

The applicant had agreed to several conditions, including no sales of alcohol for consumption off the premises after 23:00, no noise nuisance, all off-sales of alcohol to be in sealed containers, and off-sales to be ancillary to food. Further discussions also addressed the timing of off-sales, with an agreement reached for them to commence at 9 am, aligning with the relevant policy and comparable premises within the station. The applicant also agreed to conditions regarding CCTV, an incident log, and noise control.

Circle Cafe, 43 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2TA

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Circle Cafe, located at 43 Vauxhall Bridge Road. The application proposed to provide late-night refreshment indoors from Monday to Saturday between 23:00 and 02:00. The applicant stated that the premises would operate as a food-led café, with no alcohol sales or regulated entertainment proposed. The application also included the surrender of an existing premises licence for the same address.

Environmental Health made a representation, noting the premises' location within the Victoria Special Consideration Zone. They raised concerns that the proposed hours for late-night refreshment could lead to an increase in public nuisance and impact public safety. Environmental Health proposed several additional conditions, including a limit on the number of persons permitted on the premises, the maintenance of an incident log, and controls on noise, fumes, and waste management. They also proposed conditions regarding deliveries and the use of external areas after 23:00.

The Licensing Authority also flagged that officers had previously found the premises in breach of its licence and the Health Act on two occasions before Christmas, in response to noise complaints from residents.

The applicant responded to these concerns, clarifying that the premises would operate as a food-led café with no alcohol or shisha proposed. They offered to accept a condition prohibiting shisha use if deemed necessary. The applicant also agreed to specific conditions proposed by Environmental Health, including a maximum capacity of 45 persons (excluding staff), CCTV requirements, an incident log, and various noise and nuisance controls. They also agreed to conditions regarding external areas and waste management. The applicant also stated that any reference to charcoal preparation related solely to food preparation.

The report pack also included details of the premises' licence history, including previous applications and temporary event notices. It was noted that the premises had previously been subject to enforcement action for operating beyond permitted hours.