The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for 2 Vanston Place, London, SW6 1AY. The meeting's agenda also included supplementary information from objectors and details regarding shisha lounges.

Application for a Premises Licence at 2 Vanston Place, London, SW6 1AY

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for 2 Vanston Place, London, SW6 1AY, submitted by Mr Mohamed Abdelghany Gabr ElMansoury. The application sought to permit the provision of late-night refreshment, both indoors and outdoors, with proposed hours extending until midnight on Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday. The premises would be open to the public from 8 AM to midnight on weekdays and Sundays, and until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report pack indicated that the premises already held an existing premises licence (2019/00248/LAPR) for the supply of alcohol for on-sales, with hours until 10:30 PM and public opening until 11 PM.

A significant number of representations, totalling 18, were received from local residents and residential groups objecting to the application. These objections primarily focused on concerns related to the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, and preventing public nuisance. Specific issues raised included potential noise and disturbance from late-night operations, particularly from the first-floor roof terrace, increased litter, anti-social behaviour, and traffic disruption from delivery drivers. Residents highlighted that the area is densely populated and already experiences issues with late-night activity, with the Metropolitan Police designating the nearby North End Road as a crime hotspot.

The applicant and the Metropolitan Police had reportedly agreed on further conditions and a reduction in the requested hours, which were reflected in the application details.

Shisha Lounges and Regulations

Supplementary information was provided regarding the regulations for shisha lounges within the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF). This overview detailed the legal framework, including smoke-free legislation for indoor and outdoor spaces, strict age verification policies (18+ with a Challenge 25 approach), and regulations concerning the sale and product standards of shisha tobacco. The information also outlined licensing requirements, planning permission considerations, fire safety, and specific LBHF requirements such as sound management and staff training. Penalties for non-compliance were also detailed, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Additional Information from Objectors

Further supplementary information was presented by objectors, providing additional details on the licensing history of the premises at 2 Vanston Place. This included information on previous licences granted in 2017 and 2018, and the existing licence (2019/00248/LAPR) which names Mr Signorello Lodico as the Designated Premises Licence Holder. Objectors highlighted specific conditions attached to these licences, particularly those relating to the closure of the first-floor external terrace by 10 PM and the switching off of lighting on the terrace when not in operation.

Concerns were also raised about the applicant, Mr Mohamed Abdelghany Gabr ElMansuoury, and his directorships in various companies, including Vanston Cafe LTD (now dissolved), MMY CAFE LIMITED, and MEDZ PLACE LIMITED. Objectors questioned the applicant's specific role in this application and highlighted the proximity of residential properties and St John's Church to the premises.

The use of the roof terrace after the conditioned 10 PM closure, with alleged activity occurring well past midnight, was a significant point of contention. Objectors also raised concerns about potential illegal shisha activities, citing visible smoke and the absence of a licence for such activities, leading to worries about underage use, smoke nuisance, and non-compliance with Trading Standards. The erection of a pergola on the first-floor roof terrace was also noted, with questions raised about its compliance with planning conditions.

The report pack also included a map of neighbouring premises and a table detailing the licensable activities and hours of nearby licensed premises, which may have been considered in the context of cumulative impact. Additionally, a report on noise complaints in London boroughs, identifying Hammersmith and Fulham as the most sleep-disturbed borough in 2021, was provided.