A Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council considered an application to vary the premises licence for Smoke and Pepper, located at 166 Earl's Court Road, London, SW5 9QQ. The application sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment and the premises' opening hours until 3 am seven days a week, and to remove two existing conditions. The committee heard representations from the applicant, objectors including local councillors and residents' associations, and the licensing authority's officers. The committee retired to make a decision, which would be communicated within five working days.

Variation of Premises Licence for Smoke and Pepper

The Licensing Sub-Committee heard an application from Bun and Butter Limited to vary the premises licence for Smoke and Pepper. The proposed changes included extending the permitted hours for late-night refreshment (indoors and outdoors) and the hours the premises is open to the public until 3 am, Monday to Sunday. The applicant also sought to remove conditions 20 and 22 from the existing licence. Condition 20 currently states that late-night refreshment is for takeaways only, for collection by delivery drivers, and not for supply to the public. Condition 22 prohibits the supply of late-night refreshment to the public between 11 pm and 5 am.

The applicant, represented by Shahzaib Ahmed, stated that the extension was requested due to increased customer demand and feedback, and to allow the business to become profitable. They proposed several additional conditions, including the presence of a manager after 11 pm, a maximum of 30 customers inside after 11 pm, and a written dispersal policy. They also highlighted that they do not serve alcohol and that their delivery drivers exclusively use Uber Eats, parking directly outside on Earls Court Road in loading bays.

However, the application received nine objections from local residents and councillors, including Councillor Linda Wade, Councillor James Ortiz, and the Earl's Court Society. The objectors raised significant concerns about the potential for increased public nuisance, crime, and disorder, particularly relating to noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. They highlighted that delivery riders frequently congregate in nearby residential streets such as Trebovir Road and Nevern Place, causing disturbances and safety issues. Concerns were also raised about late-night revellers contributing to noise and litter.

During the hearing, the committee discussed various proposed conditions. These included the applicant's commitment to a dispersal policy, maintaining CCTV, and a clean-up zone extending 50 metres. The applicant agreed to join the Earl's Court Late Night Cafe Licence Group, a collective of local food outlets working with the council and police on issues like waste management and delivery driver behaviour. The legal officer, Emma Rowland, facilitated a discussion on draft conditions, including a proposed amendment to condition 14 regarding refuse collection times and a new condition requiring external doors and windows to be kept closed after 11 pm to mitigate noise. The committee also considered the applicant's willingness to reduce the indoor customer capacity after 11 pm from 30 to 20.

The committee heard that the premises is located above residential properties, and objectors stressed the unique challenges of the area, including existing issues with anti-social behaviour and drug dealing. The applicant stated they were committed to working with the community and resolving any issues.

The committee concluded the hearing and retired to make a decision, which would be communicated in writing within five working days.