The Licensing Panel A of Camden Council met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to consider applications for new and varied premises licences. The panel was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for The Well Walk Theatre, Bookshop & Café and an application to vary the premises licence for Mag One.

The Well Walk Theatre, Bookshop & Café, 49 Willow Road NW3 1TS

The panel was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Well Walk Theatre, Bookshop & Café, located at 49 Willow Road NW3 1TS. The application sought authorisation for the supply of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises between the hours of 11:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The proposed opening hours for the premises were 08:00 to 23:00 daily.

The report pack indicated that seventy-two relevant representations were received concerning this application, with forty-four opposing it and thirty supporting it. The opposing representations included those from Councillor Stephen Stark, residents, and various resident associations. Supporters included the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum, the Heath & Hampstead Society, and the Hampstead Literary Society.

Concerns raised by those opposing the application primarily focused on the potential for public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Specific issues highlighted included the impact of late-night alcohol sales and off-sales on the quiet, residential character of the area, particularly given the proximity to family homes and the recent creation of a new pedestrianised public space. Objections also cited the tension between the venue's stated identity as a children's theatre and the proposed alcohol sales, as well as concerns about the adequacy of proposed operating conditions.

Conversely, supporters of the application emphasised the venue's positive contribution to the local community, its responsible management, and the belief that the proposed changes would enhance its viability as a cultural asset. They suggested that the sale of alcohol would be ancillary to the theatre's existing cultural offerings and would not lead to disruption.

The report pack also detailed the legal framework and Camden's Statement of Licensing Policy, outlining the four licensing objectives and relevant guidance. It was noted that the application was not engaging the policy regarding framework hours for licensable activities.

Mag One, 68 Rosslyn Hill, London, NW3 1ND

The panel was also scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Mag One, located at 68 Rosslyn Hill, London, NW3 1ND. The application sought to remove four existing conditions from the licence:

• No sale of super-strength beer, lager or cider above 5.5% ABV (with limited exceptions for premium products).
• Wine and spirits not to be sold in bottles under 180ml.
• Alcohol must be kept in display units with metal shutters.
• Alcohol must be secured behind shutters outside permitted hours.

The report indicated that the Metropolitan Police Service had made a representation opposing the application, believing that the removal of these conditions would undermine the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder. The police argued that these conditions, referred to as Gold Standard conditions, were relevant and proportionate for tackling issues such as addiction, anti-social behaviour, theft, and unauthorised out-of-hours sales.

The applicant, represented by Kotiva Legal, submitted that these conditions were legacy measures that were no longer necessary or proportionate, and that robust day-to-day management and modern retail compliance controls would suffice to promote the licensing objectives. They cited case law emphasizing that conditions must be necessary, proportionate, and evidence-based.

The report pack included the current premises licence for Mag One, which detailed the existing licensable activities and opening hours, and confirmed that alcohol was authorised for off-premises consumption.