The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster Council was scheduled to consider four premises licence variation applications. These applications involved proposed changes to operating hours, licensable activities, and capacity at various venues across the city.

Thirst, 53 Greek Street, London, W1D 3AW

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Thirst, located at 53 Greek Street, London, W1D 3AW. The application sought to extend the terminal hour for the supply of alcohol to midnight on Sundays, with no new entries permitted after 11:00 pm. It also proposed adding late-night refreshment on Sundays until midnight and restricting off-sales of alcohol on Sundays to before 11:00 pm.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, the Environmental Health Service, the Licensing Authority, and The Soho Society. The police objected on the grounds that the extension could undermine the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone¹. Environmental Health raised concerns that the proposed hours were beyond the council's core hours for pubs and bars in this zone and could lead to an increase in public nuisance and impact public safety. The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, highlighting that the West End Cumulative Impact Zone has a presumption to refuse applications outside core hours due to the high concentration of licensed premises and associated incident rates. The Soho Society objected on the basis that the extension would disrupt residents' ability to enjoy a quiet Sunday evening and would contribute to cumulative impact in an already busy area.

The committee was advised to have regard to the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy², specifically Policy CIP1 regarding cumulative impact in the West End, Policy HRS1 concerning core hours, and Policy PB1 relating to pubs and bars.

Golden Lion Public House, 51 Dean Street, London, W1D 5BH

A variation to the premises licence for the Golden Lion Public House, located at 51 Dean Street, London, W1D 5BH, was scheduled for discussion. The application proposed changes to the sale of alcohol, live music, late-night refreshment, and overall opening hours. Specifically, it sought to extend alcohol sales and live music hours on Thursdays to midnight, and on Fridays and Saturdays to 1:00 am. Late-night refreshment hours were also proposed to be extended. The application also sought to remove several existing conditions from the licence, including those related to specific hours for alcohol sales on the first floor and ground floor, and a condition regarding credit card sales.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health, the Licensing Authority, and several other individuals and The Soho Society. The police objected to the extension of hours, noting the venue's location within the Cumulative Impact Zone and the potential for increased crime and disorder. Environmental Health also raised concerns about the proposed extensions beyond core hours, suggesting they could increase public nuisance and impact public safety. The Licensing Authority highlighted that the proposed hours were beyond Westminster's core hours and requested further submissions on the type of live music, sound limiting devices, and venue capacity. The Soho Society and other residents objected strongly, citing concerns about increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and the cumulative impact on the residential area, particularly given the high concentration of licensed premises in Soho.

The committee was to consider policies CIP1, HRS1, and PB1 from the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy.

House Party, 61 Poland Street, London, W1F 7NU

The committee was scheduled to review a variation application for House Party, located at 61 Poland Street, London, W1F 7NU. The primary request was to increase the total premises capacity from 160 to 221 patrons, with floor capacities to be confirmed.

Representations were submitted by the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health, the Licensing Authority, and The Soho Society. The police objected to the capacity increase, citing the venue's location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and the potential for increased crime and disorder due to a higher number of patrons. Environmental Health also raised concerns that the increased capacity could lead to public nuisance and impact public safety. The Licensing Authority expressed concerns about the significant increase in patrons and its potential contribution to cumulative impact within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone, referencing policies CIP1, HRS1, and MD1. The Soho Society objected, arguing that the increase would lead to more people being discharged onto the streets at 3:30 am, exacerbating cumulative impact and failing to promote licensing objectives. Residents also raised concerns about noise from the roof terrace and requested capacity limits and earlier closing times for this area.

The committee was to consider policies CIP1, HRS1, and MD1 (Music and Dance) from the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy.

Purl London, Basement, 50-54 Blandford Street, London, W1U 7HX

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Purl London, a cocktail bar located in the basement at 50-54 Blandford Street, London, W1U 7HX. The application sought to amend the hours for recorded music to Monday-Sunday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am (the following day), the sale of alcohol to Monday-Sunday, 12:00 pm to 2:00 am (the following day), and late-night refreshment to Monday-Sunday, 11:00 pm to 2:00 am (the following day).

A significant number of objections were received from residents, local councillors, and amenity groups, including the Environmental Health Service and the Marylebone Association. Objections centred on the proposed hours being well beyond the council's core hours³ and the potential for increased noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, and disruption to residents in a primarily residential area. Concerns were raised about patrons leaving the premises late at night, noise from music, and the cumulative impact on the neighbourhood, particularly with other nearby venues also operating late or having recently increased capacity. Some residents noted that the previous leaseholder had caused disruption and that the current application was particularly inconsiderate given the residential nature of Blandford Street and Chiltern Street. Conversely, several individuals submitted letters in support of the application, describing the venue (now operating as DIVE) as a responsible and well-managed establishment that contributes positively to the local culture and community, and that extending hours would allow for a relaxed and responsible late-night setting.

The committee was to consider Policy HRS1 (Core Hours) and Policy PB1 (Pubs and Bars) from the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy.