The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council approved a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for L'Ami Jac, located at 94 Shepherd's Bush Road, London, W6 7PD. The TEN allows for extended hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment during the screening of World Cup matches from 25 June to 1 July 2026, with the condition that alcohol sales will cease at 11:30 PM.

Temporary Event Notice for L'Ami Jac Approved

The Licensing Sub-Committee approved a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for L'Ami Jac, a wine bar at 94 Shepherd's Bush Road, London, W6 7PD, allowing for extended hours during the World Cup 2026 screenings. The notice permits the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment from 25 June to 1 July 2026, with the crucial condition that alcohol sales will cease at 11:30 PM. This decision was made after considering an objection from the council's Noise and Nuisance Team, who raised concerns about potential public nuisance due to the extended hours and a history of noise complaints.

The applicant, Mr. Jonathan Koo, had requested permission to sell alcohol until 1 AM and provide late-night refreshment until 1 AM each day between 25 June and 1 July 2026. The current premises licence for L'Ami Jac permits the sale of alcohol on the premises only until 9:30 PM and closes at 10:00 PM.

The Noise and Nuisance Team, represented by Investigator John Garcia, formally objected to the TEN. Mr. Garcia highlighted a history of 73 noise complaints from two neighbours, with one neighbour being particularly sensitive. He expressed concern that the application for seven consecutive days of extended hours, particularly until 1 AM, would significantly increase the risk of cumulative noise nuisance. He noted that the premises' existing licence hours are much shorter and that previous officer visits had identified issues such as the sale of alcohol beyond permitted hours and customers congregating outside.

Mr. Jonathan Koo, the applicant, argued that the extended hours were necessary due to the hot weather, which made it difficult for customers to sit inside, and that most customers preferred to sit outside. He stated that he was not asking to sell alcohol beyond midnight, but rather to stop sales at 11:30 PM and have customers leave by 12:00 AM or 12:30 AM at the latest. He also claimed that the majority of complaints originated from a single neighbour, Mr. Ali G, whom he described as harassing and making false complaints. Mr. Koo emphasised his commitment to running a responsible business and stated that he would personally ensure compliance when present.

During the hearing, Councillor Stewart Waine questioned Mr. Koo about how he would manage customer numbers and prevent noise, particularly when customers might go outside to smoke. Councillor Daryl Brown also expressed concerns about the vagueness of Mr. Koo's answers regarding customer control. Mr. Koo explained that the premises was more of a community wine bar, and his customers were generally known to each other. He also clarified that the television screens for watching the World Cup matches were located inside, but visible from outside through the windows.

The committee ultimately decided to approve the TEN, with the key condition that alcohol sales would cease at 11:30 PM. They considered this assurance sufficient to promote the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance. The full decision, including any conditions, will be sent to the parties involved, and the applicant has the right to appeal to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of receiving the full licence.