The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster Council was scheduled to convene on Thursday 9 April 2026. The primary item on the agenda was a review of the premises licence for Food Works, located at 51 Strutton Ground, London, SW1P 2HY.

Food Works, 51 Strutton Ground, London, SW1P 2HY

The meeting was scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for Food Works, located at 51 Strutton Ground, London, SW1P 2HY. This review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police Service due to concerns that the premises were associated with serious crime or serious disorder.

The report pack indicated that an application had been made by the Metropolitan Police Service on 13 March 2026 to review the premises licence under Section 53A(1) of the Licensing Act 2003. A previous Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on 17 March 2026 had decided to suspend the licence with immediate effect as an interim step, pending the determination of the full review.

The current meeting was tasked with two main objectives:

1. To review the interim steps taken on 17 March 2026 and decide whether they should remain in place, be modified, or withdrawn.
2. To determine the full review of the premises licence.

The report detailed an incident on 17 February 2026 where officers responded to reports of a male being attacked in the street. The victim alleged he had been assaulted by an individual associated with the kebab shop. Subsequent investigations, including the review of local council CCTV footage, reportedly showed an unprovoked assault where a crutch or metal pole was used as a weapon, resulting in grievous bodily harm injuries to the victim.

The report also highlighted alleged breaches of licence conditions, including those related to CCTV operation and maintenance, and the keeping of an incident log. The premises licence holder, Mr Yilmaz Akcadag, had not made any submissions to the current review, although applications to transfer the premises licence and vary the designated premises supervisor were received on 31 March 2026.

Representations in support of the review were received from the Environmental Health Service and the Licensing Authority, both citing concerns about the promotion of licensing objectives. The report outlined the potential legal implications and options for the full review, which included modifying licence conditions, excluding the sale of alcohol, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely.

The report also referenced the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021 and guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. The core hours for various types of licensed premises were also detailed, providing context for the licensable activities.

The meeting was scheduled to consider the existing premises licence, which permits the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, with operating hours from 11:00 to 21:30, and opening hours from 10:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday.