The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider three applications for new and varied licences and approved them all. One application related to a new 24-hour alcohol licence for a delicatessen in Marylebone, one to a new premises licence for a restaurant in Paddington and one to remove outdated and unenforceable conditions on an existing licence for a restaurant in Mayfair.

Tila Bruton Deli, 68 Crawford Street, London, W1H 1HS

The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Tila Bruton Deli, a delicatessen at 68 Crawford Street, London, W1H 1HS.

The application was for permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The applicant's solicitor told the sub-committee that Tila Bruton Deli was not an off-licence or convenience store, but a high-end delicatessen that would be selling products such as champagne and fine wine to be taken away and consumed at home.

There were three representations from local people concerned about the impact of the licence. A local resident spoke against the application, saying that they represented 40 residents of the building at 72 Crawford Street, and that they were concerned about the impact of late night noise and disturbance from the premises on local residents.

We are extremely concerned about the impact that a 24/7 off-licence would have on our ability to live normal lives in our homes. The potential for noise and disturbance, particularly during the night, is very worrying. We already suffer from a significant amount of noise from people leaving nearby bars and restaurants late at night.

The sub-committee also considered written representations from two further residents who expressed concern that a 24-hour licence would attract antisocial behaviour to the area.

The applicant's solicitor argued that the concerns of residents were unfounded because the applicant would be operating a Challenge 25 policy, would install and operate CCTV to the standards required by the Metropolitan Police, and would ensure that all deliveries to the premises were made to the front of the store. He added that the applicant would display prominent signs asking customers to leave the premises quietly and that staff would receive training on the licensing objectives.

Having heard from all parties, the sub-committee approved the application in full. The decision notice states that the sub-committee was satisfied that the applicant would uphold the licensing objectives and that the concerns of the interested parties were adequately addressed by the applicant’s solicitor and the conditions offered.

25 Leinster Terrace, London, W2 3EU

The sub-committee granted a new premises licence to a restaurant at 25 Leinster Terrace, London, W2 3EU. The licence permits the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between the hours of 10am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday. No representations were received from local residents, businesses or the police.

Ivy Asia, 20 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LX

The sub-committee considered an application from Ivy Asia at 20 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LX. The restaurant applied to remove a number of outdated and unenforceable conditions from their licence.

One condition required the restaurant to employ door staff after 10pm every day that the premises are open. Ivy Asia's solicitor argued that the condition was

unnecessary and disproportionate as there is no history of crime and disorder at the premises or in the surrounding area.

The Metropolitan police confirmed this assessment, telling the sub-committee that there were no concerns about crime and disorder at the restaurant, and that a condition requiring the use of door staff was unnecessary.

Another condition restricted the use of the external pavement area of the restaurant at the front of the premises. The condition stated that

no furniture of any kind shall be placed or permitted to remain upon the external pavement area at the front of the premises.

The applicant's solicitor described this condition as outdated and unenforceable, telling the sub-committee that it predated the Business and Planning Act 2020, which provides businesses with a streamlined process to obtain pavement licences from local authorities.

This condition predates the pavement licence regime introduced in 2020 and should be removed as it is now unenforceable.

Westminster City Council's licensing team supported this assessment, telling the meeting that the condition was unenforceable.

The sub-committee approved the application in full.