The Westminster Council Licensing Sub-Committee (6) convened on 29 May 2025, to address several licensing applications. The committee, composed of Councillor Robert Eagleton, Deputy Cabinet Member - Finance and Fairer Working, (Chair), and Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury, Deputy Cabinet Member - Streets and Lead Member - Edgware Road Champion, reviewed applications concerning street trading, restaurant premises, and a convenience store. Councillor Louise Hyams recused herself from one application due to a conflict of interest. Decisions on the applications were deferred, with outcomes to be communicated within five working days.

Rescinding Designation for Pitch 1724, North Audley Street

The committee considered an application to rescind the designation for Pitch 1724 on North Audley Street and designate a new location for Isolated Pitch 1724 on Oxford Street. The proposal involved varying the designating resolution passed by the council on 25 July 1990.

The existing pitch on North Audley Street was no longer suitable due to the installation of a CCTV cabinet in 2010. The licensee, Ms McKenna, had been temporarily relocated to Oxford Street outside Marks and Spencer. The Licensing Service sought to make this temporary location the permanent trading location.

The Licensing Service consulted with the Highway Authority, Police, the Licensee, and the West End Street Traders Association, with the latter expressing no objection on behalf of Danielle McKenna.

New Premises Licence for 13-14 Dean Street

An application for a new premises licence at 13-14 Dean Street, was submitted by Super 1O Restaurants Ltd. The applicant sought permission for late night refreshment and the retail sale of alcohol.

The application received objections from interested parties, including concerns about the impact on other catering businesses and cumulative impact in the Soho area. One objector, who was not named in the transcript, claimed that Super 10 Restaurants had been a disgrace and that they had absolutely no trust whatsoever in this application.

The report mentions a cumulative impact assessment, stating:

The modelling shows a 50% increase in undesirable behaviours from any NEW OR EXTENDED licence. The figures also suggest a 26% increase in reported theft for each additional licence issued for whatever type of venue.

The West End Cumulative Impact Zone is an area where there are already a high number of licensed premises, and the council has policies in place to restrict the granting of new licenses in these areas.

The report also references the council's licensing policy, stating that applications for new restaurants within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone will fail to promote the licensing objectives and will increase cumulative impact.

However, a letter of support was received from an unnamed source, who stated that Super 8's application demonstrated an understanding and commitment to the local area, with no risk whatsoever that the restaurant will contribute to crime and public nuisance.

New Premises Licence for 40-42 Chiltern Street

The committee reviewed an application for a new premises licence at 40-42 Chiltern Street, submitted by The Portman Estate Nominees (One) Limited and The Portman Estate Nominees (Two) Limited. The proposal was for a tapas-style restaurant and ancillary wine bar with a small external area.

The applicant's solicitor, Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP, stated that the premises would be operated primarily as a restaurant, with the licensable activities being ancillary to that main function. The applicant had amended the application following concerns raised by the Ward Councillor, Marylebone Association, and local residents, including:

• Removing recorded music from the application (except for New Year's Eve)
• Reducing the hours of operation
• Proposing additional conditions to promote the licensing objectives

The applicant also addressed concerns about deliveries, confirming that the operator would not use third-party delivery services and would instead use bicycles or electric vehicles wherever possible.

The report notes that the premises is located outside of both the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and any Special Consideration Zones, and that the hours applied for are within the council’s Core Hours Policy HRS1.

New Premises Licence for 1A Broadway

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for 1A Broadway, submitted by Allgood Convenience Broadway Limited. The applicant sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises and late night refreshment.

The application received representations from interested parties, including the Queen Anne's Gate Residence Association, represented by Graham Cotton, and Westminster's Citizens of Life, represented by Richard Byrne. The Environmental Health Service initially objected but withdrew their objection following an agreement on conditions.

The Queen Anne's Gate Residence Association raised concerns about the potential for the premises to draw more vulnerable people to Broadway and Christchurch Gardens, citing existing issues with rough sleepers and antisocial behaviour in the area. They also expressed concerns about the unprecedented late hours for the area and the potential for noise nuisance.

The applicant, represented by Tim Leaver of Council, Richard Baker, Jasmine Dussi, and Harwa, sought to address the concerns raised by local residents. They emphasized their experience in operating similar businesses and their commitment to being a good neighbour. They also offered to attend Queen Anne's Gate Residence Association meetings to address any concerns that may emerge.

Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury questioned the applicant about the type of display that would be used for alcohol during sale times, and whether this display would be securely shut during the sale. The applicant confirmed that the merchandise would be displayed in good strong glass cases and that there would be shutters or grills to secure the alcohol outside of sale hours.

The applicant also agreed to conditions stating that there would be no tables and chairs inside or outside the premises, that late night refreshments would be restricted to hot drinks only, and that there would be no third party delivery after 11pm.