The Camden Licensing Panel B met on Thursday 23 July 2026 to consider applications to vary premises licences for two establishments: Souk Restaurant and Hanway Social Club. The panel was scheduled to review proposed changes to operating hours, licensable activities, and conditions attached to their licences, with a particular focus on preventing public nuisance.

Souk Restaurant, 4 Neal's Yard, London, WC2H 9DP

The panel was scheduled to discuss an application to vary the premises licence for Souk Restaurant, located at 4 Neal's Yard, London, WC2H 9DP. The application proposed changes to existing conditions, including the sale of alcohol in the basement and ground floor, and the removal of conditions related to draught beer sales and the requirement for door supervisors. It also sought to amend the hours for late-night refreshments and the sale of alcohol.

A representation was received from the Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA) opposing the application, primarily on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. The CGCA raised concerns about potential light pollution from new rooflights affecting nearby residents, particularly in Seven Dials Court. They proposed a new condition: No light shall emanate from the premises which gives rise to a nuisance. The CGCA indicated that if this condition, along with other agreed amendments, were implemented, they might withdraw their representation.

Hanway Social Club, 20 Hanway Street, London, W1T 1UG

The panel was also scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Hanway Social Club, located at 20 Hanway Street, London, W1T 1UG. This application sought to amend licensable activities and opening hours, including extending recorded music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales until 02:00 on most days. It also proposed increasing the maximum capacity from 60 to 130 people.

Representations opposing the application were received from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, a Residents Association, and three local residents. These objections focused on the prevention of public nuisance and public safety. Concerns were raised about the proposed increase in capacity and extended hours potentially leading to increased noise, disturbance, and patrons congregating outside the premises, particularly given the mixed commercial and residential nature of the area. The Noise Pollution Environmental Health Authority highlighted previous complaints regarding noise and patrons drinking outside the premises, and suggested additional noise mitigation conditions. The Charlotte Street Association also objected, citing potential detrimental effects on residential amenity due to extended hours and increased patron numbers.

Supplementary information provided by the applicant included a list of agreed conditions with Responsible Authorities and a Dispersal Policy. These agreed conditions aimed to address concerns regarding noise, queues, smoking areas, deliveries, and staff training. The applicant also proposed to surrender a separate premises licence for the ground floor if the variation to combine both floors under a single licence was granted.