The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster City Council met on 3 October 2024 and decided to adjourn both of the applications for new licences to a later date. The Sub-Committee wanted to give the applicants the opportunity to appear before the committee in person.

Application for 21 Lansdowne Row

The Sub-Committee considered a new application for a premises licence by Hirmiz Ltd for 21 Lansdowne Row in Mayfair. The application was for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 10:00 to 23:30 Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 to 22:30 on Sunday. The applicant also requested permission to serve late night refreshment indoors from 23:00 to 23:30 Monday to Thursday and 23:00 to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Representations objecting to the application were received from the Metropolitan Police and from two local businesses. The Metropolitan Police raised concerns that granting the licence would undermine the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

The Police have concerns that a new premises, which provides Alcohol and Late-Night Refreshment will adversely impact the area. Whilst the premises is not situated within Westminster’s Cumulative Impact Zone or Special Consideration Zone, it is just outside of the SCZ. That area already has a busy and vibrant night life with many licensed premises located around Berkeley Square, W1.

The two businesses also made similar points about the impact of the late opening hours on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area. Both alleged that the venue had already been operating in breach of its lease and without a licence for more than a year.

I would like to contest and object to Hirmiz cafe and barbershop on 20-21 Lansdowne row in granting them a premises license due to the fact that they are already serving alcohol and hot & cold beverages for more than a year illegally with them not having the license to do so.

This is affecting my business d directly due to them serving alcohol illegally to members of the public being underage or individuals already being intoxicated when they arrive there, since they don’t serve hot food their customers come into my establishment drunk and violent and hurling verbal abuses at my staff as they try to order food.

The Environmental Health Service also objected to the application on the grounds of public nuisance and public safety. The Council's report noted that the applicant had not provided evidence that they had considered the risks of crime and disorder or public nuisance, or how they would mitigate them.

The Sub-Committee resolved to adjourn its decision on the application.

The Sub-Committee resolved to adjourn the hearing to a later date to ensure the Applicant could be in attendance.

Application for Radio at the ME Hotel

An application for a variation to the premises licence for Radio at the ME Hotel, 335 Strand was adjourned at the request of the applicant and the interested party.

This item was adjourned in advance of the meeting at the request of both the Applicant and the interested party.