The Licensing Sub-Committee (6) of Westminster Council scheduled a meeting to discuss licensing applications for two venues: Iran Restaurant and The Box. Councillor Maggie Carman, Deputy Cabinet Member - Adult Social Care, Supported and Specialist Housing, was scheduled to chair the meeting, with Councillor Judith Southern, Lead Member - Older Persons Champion, and Councillor Louise Hyams also in attendance.

The Box, 11-12 Walker's Court, London, W1F 0ED

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new sexual entertainment venue licence for The Box, located at 11-12 Walker's Court. The application, submitted by Too 2 Much Limited, was for a licence to provide cabaret involving full and partial nudity between 9am and 4am from Monday to Saturday, and between 9am and 12:30am on Sundays.

The report pack noted that The Box has operated as a sex establishment since 2012, with annual renewals granted until the previous licence expired on 6 July 2024. The applicant had applied under the same terms as the previous licence.

The committee was informed that the application received three objections from interested parties, with one objector waiving their right to anonymity.

Councillors were asked to consider the application in light of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy for SEV Premises and Sexual Entertainment Venues Guidance and Procedure, and The Home Office Guidance for SEV.

The report pack also included a copy of the current premises licence, a map of the locality, and the history of sex establishment licences for the premises.

Objectors raised concerns that extending the licence to 4am would eat into the only period of peace that Soho's residents get currently, and that it would increase noise and illegal street activity.

Iran Restaurant, 27 Shepherd Market, London, W1J 7PR

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss a new premises licence application for Iran Restaurant, located at 27 Shepherd Market. The applicant, Shepherd Market Kitchen Limited, sought permission for:

• Late-night refreshment indoors from 11pm to 12am, Monday to Saturday.
• Sale of alcohol (both on and off the premises) from 10am to 12am, Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 10:30pm on Sunday. Off sales were requested from Monday to Saturday 10am to 11pm.
• Opening hours from 7am to 12am, Monday to Saturday, and from 8am to 11pm on Sunday.

The report pack noted that the premises was previously licensed, but the licence lapsed in June 2024 due to the liquidation of the previous licence holder company.

The sub-committee was informed that the Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health had initially submitted representations against the application, but withdrew them following agreed conditions with the applicant.

However, the council received objections from three other parties. The report pack included these objections, along with the applicant's responses.

Objectors raised concerns about public safety and public nuisance, with one stating:

There is a history of this premises selling alcohol without the appropriate licence, which raises serious concerns about their willingness to comply with licensing laws and safety regulations. Granting a licence to a business with a record of operating unlawfully could undermine public trust in enforcement and put patrons and neighbours at risk.

The applicant responded that this allegation was vexatious, unfounded, and without merit, and invited Westminster City Council to fully investigate the operating history of the business.

The report pack also included details of nearby licensed premises, the applicant's supporting documents, and proposed conditions for the licence.

Other Matters

The committee was also scheduled to note any changes to membership, and to receive declarations of interest from members and officers regarding items on the agenda.