The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to consider three licensing applications. The committee was scheduled to discuss variations to existing premises licences and new applications for premises licences.

Lockhouse, 3 Merchant Square, London, W2 1AZ

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Lockhouse, located at 3 Merchant Square, London, W2 1AZ. The application, reference 26/01350/LIPV, sought to amend the layout of the premises, alter existing conditions, and add new conditions.

The proposed changes included amending condition 11, which currently states: Alcoholic drinks may not be removed from the premises building save for consumption by those seated in the external demised areas provided for that purpose. The proposed wording was: Alcoholic drinks may not be removed from the premises building save for consumption by those customers in the external demised areas provided for that purpose.

Additionally, conditions 46 and 47 were proposed for removal. Condition 46 currently states: The consumption of alcohol outside the building shall only be to a maximum of 24 persons who are seated at tables in the external area shown on the approved plan. Condition 47 states: The supply of alcohol in the external area shown on the approved plan, shall only be by waiter/waitress service.

The applicant proposed to replace these with new conditions, including:

• During the permitted hours for use of the external area shown on the approved plan a minimum of 24 seats will be provided.
• The maximum number of customers allowed to consume alcohol in the external area (excluding the designated smoking area) is 45.
• Any consumption of alcohol after 21.00 hours will only be to customers who are seated.

Further conditions were proposed regarding the provision of SIA door staff on Thursdays, and risk assessments for Wednesdays and Fridays. Other proposed conditions related to litter removal, public availability of a manager's telephone number, and the provision of food and alcohol in the external area by waiter/waitress service.

Representations were received from the Environmental Health Service, raising concerns about potential increases in public nuisance and adverse impacts on public safety due to the proposed changes. The Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA), South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA), and other concerned residents also submitted objections, citing potential increases in noise and anti-social behaviour, and referencing previous licensing decisions and alleged breaches of current licence conditions.

The Prince Regent, 17 Sheldon Square, London, W2 6EP

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for The Prince Regent, located at 17 Sheldon Square, London, W2 6EP. The application, reference 26/02043/LIPN, sought to supply alcohol for consumption on the premises. The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol were Monday to Sunday, 11:00 to 22:00. The premises are described as a boat with a small kitchen, bar, and seating area.

The Metropolitan Police Service initially made representations opposing the application, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder. However, these representations were later withdrawn due to conditions agreed with the applicant.

The Environmental Health Service submitted representations expressing concerns that the proposed hours for the supply of alcohol could lead to an increase in public nuisance and potentially affect public safety. They proposed additional conditions relating to noise, waste management, and the provision of a manager's contact number to local residents.

The Planning Department noted that the boat had previously operated under a temporary planning permission that lapsed on 30 May 2022, suggesting it may be in breach of planning conditions if it remained moored.

Representations were also received from the Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA) and PWMVS (an amenity society), both objecting on the grounds of potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. They suggested conditions similar to those previously applied to the London Shell Co. premises, including no off-sales, waiter/waitress service only, alcohol supplied only to seated persons having a table meal, and limitations on bar area consumption and outdoor seating hours.

NQ64 Arcade Bar, 5 Goslett Yard, London, WC2H 0ER

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for NQ64 Arcade Bar, located at 5 Goslett Yard, London, WC2H 0ER. The application, reference 26/03454/LIPN, proposed a new single premises licence for the ground floor and basement, intended to replace two existing licences. The applicant sought to operate on like for like terms regarding licensable activities, permitted hours, and capacity, with some proposed changes.

These changes included a new arcade bar layout connecting both floors, the removal of the 4 am extended hours previously authorised for the ground floor, the removal of a condition requiring non-glass drinking vessels in the basement, and the removal of outdated conditions related to striptease entertainment. An updated capacity condition was proposed, with a limit of 600 persons before 03:00 (Monday to Saturday) and 00:00 (Sunday), and a reduced limit of 300 persons after these times.

The Environmental Health Service submitted representations stating that the requested hours for regulated entertainment, late night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol could lead to an increase in public nuisance and impact public safety.

The Soho Society submitted a representation, noting that the proposed hours and capacities were similar to existing licences. They queried the status of the current licences and requested an additional condition to ensure the licensable activities remain ancillary to the primary function of the premises as a retro gaming and arcade bar. Another objector raised concerns about the proposed 6 am terminal hour for entertainment, citing previous issues with noise and disruption from the former G-A-Y Late venue.