The Westminster Council Licensing Sub-Committee (4) convened to discuss licensing applications for three locations: 24 Churton Street, Space Made, Hahnemann House, 32 Welbeck Street, and Jaegos House, RB Building, 557 Harrow Road. The committee heard arguments for and against each application, focusing on concerns raised by residents, councillors, and responsible authorities¹. No decisions were made at the meeting, with the committee adjourning to deliberate and announce their decisions within five working days.

24 Churton Street, London, SW1V 2LP

This application was for a new premises licence for a shop at 24 Churton Street. The applicant, Mr Sathimi Dopinath, represented by Abi Rami from ALA Law Solicitors, sought to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.

Several residents objected to the application, fearing it would exacerbate antisocial behaviour and street drinking in the area. Councillor Glenn, representing the ward, echoed these concerns, noting the proximity of Tatchbrook Market and a problem premises already causing issues with early morning alcohol sales. One resident, Mr Jay, stated that the business as it currently exists is not representative of what was put in the application.

I just feel what you put in the application and what the business is now are two different things. So, you know, if you put in an application, it's going to be basically a corner shop that sells booze. Like, okay, I get that it's representative and that's sort of what I see. But in the application now, it's a high delicatessen and to me and to everyone who I know, you know, in the vicinity that I've lived in De Mueco since 2019, it's not.

Concerns were raised about the shop's emphasis on alcohol and vapes, as indicated by the shopfront signage: Lord's Express City Store off-licence grocery confectionery...off-licence groceries, soft drinks and vapes.

In response to the concerns, the applicant offered to start alcohol sales later in the day, suggesting 11:00 am, and then agreeing to 12:00 pm following residents' concerns. They also highlighted staff training, CCTV installation, and a willingness to work with the police and neighbours to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour. The applicant also stated that they would remove advertising for 'flying spirits, waves and all of that'.

The committee also discussed conditions relating to the types of alcohol sold, specifically regarding premium beers and ciders, and the accuracy of the premises plan, which Councillor Glenn suggested showed alcohol being 'much more dominant in your shop than it actually is'.

Space Made, Hahnemann House, 32 Welbeck Street, W1G 8EU

This application was for a new premises licence for Space Made, a co-working space at Hahnemann House, 32 Welbeck Street. The applicant, SpaceMaid Group Limited, represented by Christopher Brunner from John Gall and Partners and Bradley Dixon of the applicant company, sought to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, late night refreshment, and films Monday to Sunday.

The presenting officer noted that representations from interested parties, the Metropolitan Police Service, and Environmental Health had been received, but the latter two were withdrawn following agreement of conditions.

Christopher Brunner described Space Made as a workspace provider with a focus on smaller businesses and start-ups. He explained that the premises does not operate with hot desks², but instead offers individual offices and meeting rooms for its approximately 5,000 members. He also detailed the use of a former chapel at the rear of the building for events, with a maximum capacity of 70 people.

Concerns from residents, as outlined in a letter invited by the West Kingston Lab, focused on the fire exit at the rear of the chapel potentially becoming a main entrance or smoking area, and on refuge disposal. Mr Brunner clarified that the fire exit would only be used for disabled access and emergencies, smoking would be at the front of the premises, and refuge disposal would also be at the front.

Councillor Mitchell asked about the membership scheme and pre-booking requirements, and Mr Brunner confirmed that all attendees would be pre-registered. He also acknowledged the need for increased monitoring and staff presence at events finishing after 10 pm to ensure people disperse gradually and without causing a disturbance.

Amendments to the proposed conditions were discussed, including clarifying the designated smoking area as Welbeck Street and updating conditions related to waste collection times.

Jaegos House, RB Building, 557 Harrow Road, London, W10 4RH

This application concerned a variation of the premises licence for Jaegos House, a family-friendly members club at RB Building, 557 Harrow Road. The applicant, the Middle House's group limited, represented by Chris Brunner from Longall and Partners and Johnny Ramsey of the applicant committee, sought to vary the layout of the premises to include the lodge within the licensed area.

Mr Brunner explained that Jaegos House is a members club with facilities for children and adults, including soft play areas, a cinema, exercise studios, and a cafe/restaurant. He stated that the purpose of the variation was to allow the storage of alcohol in the lodge, a separate building used for events, rather than transporting it from the main building across a private car park.

Deidre McArdle, a local resident, objected to the application, raising concerns about the overall management of the site, noise levels, lighting, and the impact on the local community. She expressed a belief that the sale of alcohol would exacerbate existing problems.

I don't think it's going to be handled well, because I'm just trying to give you a sort of feeling of how I don't know anything else has been handled well. You know, I mean, it seems nice on the face of it. And he talks about a sanctuary. This is a sanctuary for rich people to come in and completely use up the whole neighbourhood and leave nothing for anybody else.

Ms McArdle also raised concerns about the impact of lighting on wildlife along the Grand Union Canal, referencing advice from the Bat Conservation Trust.

In response, Mr Brunner acknowledged Ms McArdle's concerns but argued that they were not directly relevant to the licensing objectives. He emphasised that the application was primarily for the storage of alcohol and that the existing licence already allowed for off-sales. He also highlighted the absence of representations from responsible authorities.