The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to consider three licensing applications. The applications involved new premises licences for a venue at 52 Grosvenor Square and 50 Queensway, and a shadow licence for premises at 3-4 Coventry Street.

52 Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 2DA

The committee was scheduled to discuss a new premises licence application for 52 Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 2DA, submitted by London Wildlife Limited. The application proposed the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises during private hire events, and the provision of regulated entertainment including live music, recorded music, and dance performances. The proposed hours for these activities were Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 21:00 for regulated entertainment, and Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 22:00 for the supply of alcohol.

The report pack indicated that Environmental Health had initially made a representation due to concerns about public nuisance and public safety, particularly regarding the supply of alcohol during private hire events and the potential impact of music. However, Environmental Health later withdrew its representation following an agreement on additional conditions.

Several objections were also received from interested parties, including On Behalf of Intraders (B.V.I.) Ltd, On Behalf of Miseel Nominee Limited, and other residents. These objections raised concerns about the notification process for local residents, the precise location and extent of the licensed area, noise management, food preparation, capacity, queue management, smoking, vaping, and crowd control. Specific concerns were raised about the potential impact on the residential nature of Grosvenor Square and the quiet enjoyment of nearby homes. One resident also raised concerns about the routes and times of servicing vehicles, noise from recycling, cafe lighting affecting wildlife, and the potential for alcohol consumption in outdoor areas.

The report pack also detailed the policy considerations, including the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy 2021 and guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. It outlined the core hours for various premises uses, with restaurants having core hours of Monday to Thursday: 09:00 to 23:30, Friday and Saturday: 09:00 to 24:00, and Sunday: 09:00 to 22:30. The application for 52 Grosvenor Square proposed hours within these core hours for regulated entertainment, but the alcohol supply hours extended to 22:00.

50 Queensway, London W2 3RY

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 50 Queensway, London W2 3RY, from Parashkthy Food Ltd. The applicant proposed operating as a restaurant with the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol were Monday to Thursday: 10:00 to 23:30, Friday to Saturday: 10:00 to 00:00, and Sunday: 09:00 to 22:30. The premises opening hours were proposed as Monday to Sunday: 09:00 to 00:00.

The Metropolitan Police Service initially objected to the application, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder. They sought the addition of several conditions, including comprehensive CCTV, a designated staff member conversant with the CCTV system, and that the premises operate strictly as a restaurant serving substantial table meals with alcohol served by waiter or waitress service only, and that alcohol consumption be ancillary to meals. The police representation was withdrawn after agreement on these conditions.

Environmental Health also made a representation, noting the premises' location within the Queensway Special Consideration Zone (SCZ). They raised concerns about public nuisance and public safety, proposing a list of additional conditions related to noise, fumes, waste management, deliveries, and the finalisation of premises capacity and layout.

The South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA) also submitted an objection, primarily on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. They questioned the inclusion of a flat roof in the licensed area and objected to any licensable activities there. SEBRA noted that the proposed hours for alcohol sales were within Westminster's 'Core Hours' for restaurants but questioned the absence of a Late Night Refreshment Licence application. They requested reduced hours and additional conditions regarding deliveries, refuse collection, smells, noise, taking drinks outside, and keeping doors and windows closed after 21:00.

The report pack outlined relevant policies, including the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically HRS1 (Core Hours), RNT1 (Restaurants), and SCZ1 (Special Consideration Zones). The proposed hours for alcohol sales fell within the core hours for restaurants.

Shadow Licence, Upper Ground Floor to Third Floor, 3 - 4 Coventry Street, London W1D 6BL

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a shadow licence for the Upper Ground Floor to Third Floor at 3 - 4 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6BL, from Raymond Estates 1 Ltd. This application was intended to shadow the existing premises licence (26/00595/LIPDPS) held by Grosvenor Casinos Limited. The applicant noted that a previous shadow licence held by Raymond Estates Limited had lapsed due to the liquidation of the company.

The proposed licensable activities included Late Night Refreshment from Monday to Sunday, 23:00 to 05:00, and Sale by Retail of Alcohol from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 06:00, and Sunday, 12:00 to 06:00. The premises opening hours were proposed as Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 10:00, and Sunday: 12:00 to 12:00.

The Licensing Authority made a representation, expressing concerns about the application and how it would promote the four licensing objectives. They noted the premises' location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and highlighted the need for further information regarding the lapsed shadow licence. The Licensing Authority proposed the inclusion of Model Condition 85, which would ensure the shadow licence only took effect if the primary licence ceased to operate under specific circumstances. The applicant proposed an alternative condition, stating the shadow licence would have no effect while the primary licence was in operation. Correspondence indicated that agreement on this condition had not been reached, and the matter would likely be determined by the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The report pack detailed relevant policies, including CIP1 (West End Cumulative Impact Zone), HRS1 (Core Hours), and CAS1 (Casinos). The proposed hours for late night refreshment and alcohol sales extended significantly beyond the core hours for most premises types, but were consistent with the existing licence for the Rialto Casino Piccadilly. The report also included details of the existing premises licence for The Rialto Casino Piccadilly and the lapsed shadow licence.