The Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for a Chinese restaurant named Sense . The application, submitted by Sense 10 Ltd, sought permission to sell alcohol and provide recorded music at the premises located at 171-176 Aldersgate Street, EC1A 4HT. The meeting agenda included a review of the application, representations from residents, and proposed conditions for the licence.

Application for Premises Licence at Sense

The primary focus of the meeting was the application by Sense 10 Ltd for a premises licence for their establishment, Sense, located at 171-176 Aldersgate Street, City of London, EC1A 4HT. The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol and the provision of recorded music were from 11:00 to 23:00, seven days a week. The premises is described as a Chinese restaurant specialising in Hot Pot and BBQ Buffet, with dining areas, a counter bar, a food pickup counter, kitchen, toilets, and a staff room. The application also included plans for the sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises.

Representations from Residents

A significant portion of the report pack was dedicated to representations from residents of London House, located at 172 Aldersgate Street, EC1A 4HU. A total of twelve residents submitted objections, primarily citing concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, with many also raising issues concerning the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

Key concerns raised by residents included:

• Noise from music and outdoor terrace: Residents expressed worries about loud music, particularly if the outdoor terrace doors were left open, impacting their right to a peaceful environment. They noted that noise tends to carry more at night.
• Takeaway alcohol and loitering: Concerns were raised that the separate sale of takeaway alcohol could lead to people drinking outside the premises and contributing to litter.
• Smoking areas: Residents were concerned about designated smoking areas, as the London House entrance, which has a covered canopy, is close to the restaurant's entrance and could become a congregation point for smokers, potentially obstructing access.
• CCTV and security: Objections highlighted a lack of detail regarding the CCTV system, including the number of cameras, their coverage (especially entry/exit points and fire exits), data retention, and access protocols for police. Concerns were also raised about the premises' location within the Ring of Steel and the potential risk of terrorism, as well as the need for drug prevention awareness.
• Public safety and anti-social behaviour: Residents feared patrons congregating at or engaging in anti-social activity near the building entrances, and the potential for tailgating into their residential building.
• Odour from open terrace: Concerns were raised about food odours from the open terrace impacting neighbouring residential units.
• Dispersal policy: The application was criticised for lacking a detailed dispersal policy to ensure customers leave the premises and the immediate vicinity with minimal disturbance.
• Age verification and safeguarding: Questions were raised about the definition of local equivalents for proof of age and the training of staff in identifying underage drinkers and dealing with refusals. There was also a perceived lack of awareness regarding child protection measures.

Conditions and Policy Considerations

The report outlined conditions that could be attached to the licence to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These included conditions drawn from the applicant's operating schedule, such as the provision of CCTV and a Challenge 25 scheme.

Additionally, conditions agreed upon through mediation were detailed, including:

• Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system covering all public areas, entry/exit points, and the street environment, with recordings kept for a minimum of 31 days and accessible to police and the Licensing Authority.
• Implementation of a written dispersal policy to minimise disturbance to neighbours.
• Operation of a Challenge 25 Scheme for alcohol purchases.
• A condition that no music, amplified or otherwise, would be played on the terrace or outdoors at any time.

The report also referenced relevant policy considerations, including the City of London Corporation's Statement of Licensing Policy (2022), the Statutory Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, and the National Licensing Policy Framework. These policies emphasise the need to balance the benefits of licensed venues with the risks to local residents and workers, and to determine applications on their individual merits. The report noted that the premises' lawful use falls within Class E (Commercial, Business and Service), and any activities not ancillary to this primary use may require planning permission.

The committee was asked to determine the application by granting the licence subject to conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a designated premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The report also detailed the hearing procedure under the Licensing Act 2003¹.