The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council convened to address three licensing matters: a temporary event notice for Convenience 65, a review of the premises licence for Walkers of Whitehall, and a variation of the premises licence for Smiths Bar and Grill. The sub-committee heard objections from local residents and considered arguments from the applicants before making their decisions.

Walkers of Whitehall

The sub-committee reviewed the premises licence for Walkers of Whitehall, 15 Whitehall, following an application for review submitted on the grounds of public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. The applicant, , a representative of Teleconomy, cited concerns related to external drinking, noise nuisance, intimidation, and personal safety due to large numbers of people gathering in the narrow alleyway of Craig's Court.

The applicant proposed conditions to mitigate these issues, including limiting the number of patrons outside the premises to 12 before 9pm, restricting re-entry after 9pm, designating an outdoor area, and implementing a dispersal policy.

Representations in support of the review were received from the Environmental Health Service and eight interested parties, citing concerns about public nuisance and safety. The Environmental Health Service noted a history of noise complaints and visits to the premises.

The premises licence holder, Young & Co's Brewery Plc, submitted documents arguing that they had taken steps to address the concerns, including implementing an operational management plan, managing the outside area, and maintaining good relationships with residents. They also questioned the validity of the evidence presented by the applicant.

Convenience 65

The sub-committee considered a temporary event notice (TEN) application submitted by Mr Krish Virani for Convenience 65, 47 Aldwych. The TEN sought to permit the sale of alcohol 24 hours a day from 26 December 2025 to 1 January 2026.

The Metropolitan Police and the Environmental Health Service objected to the TEN, raising concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety, particularly on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The police cited the potential for increased street drinking, anti-social behaviour, and alcohol-related offences, while Environmental Health raised concerns about insufficient information on how the licensing objectives would be upheld and the impact on public safety during the New Year's Eve event on the river.

Smiths Bar and Grill

The sub-committee reviewed an application for a variation of the premises licence for Smiths Bar and Grill, 25 Sheldon Square. The applicant, London Restaurants Limited, sought to remove a condition restricting regulated entertainment to the basement of the premises and add conditions relating to noise management.

The proposed changes included removing condition 20, which stated Regulated Entertainment shall only be provided in the basement of the premises, and rewording condition 43 to reflect the removal of condition 20. The applicant also proposed adding two new conditions:

• All live music shall be played at a volume and in a manner that ensures no noise disturbance is caused to nearby residential properties. The licence holder shall take all reasonable steps to prevent nuisance, including but not limited to:

  • Ensuring doors and windows remain closed during performances (except for access/egress)
  • Positioning performers and speakers to minimise sound escape

• The licence holder shall regularly monitor noise levels at the boundary of the premises during live music events and shall maintain a log of any complaints received and the action taken.

The Environmental Health Service objected to the application, stating that allowing regulated entertainment throughout the premises would likely increase public nuisance. Representations objecting to the application were also received from local residents, who expressed concerns about noise levels and disturbance. They referenced a history of noise complaints and a lack of trust in the establishment's management.

The applicant submitted a statement from Mr Odiljon Raupov, the manager and Designated Premises Supervisor, outlining measures to mitigate noise concerns, including the use of a sound limiter and adherence to agreed volume levels.