The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 6 August 2026 to consider a variation to a premises licence. The primary item on the agenda was a licensing application for Wok and Fire, located at 33 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HA.

Wok and Fire, 33 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HA

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application to vary the premises licence for Wok and Fire, a fast-food restaurant located at 33 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HA. The applicant, Mr Shakeeb Ayash, sought to extend the licensable hours for late-night refreshment by one hour, from 11:00 pm to 12:30 am on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. During these extended hours, the premises would operate as a takeaway only, with no consumption permitted inside.

Representations were received from several responsible authorities. The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC David Morgan, objected to the application on the grounds that it could undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. They noted that the premises is located within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and that the requested hours exceed the council's core hours policy. The police expressed concern that the extended hours could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and place a strain on police resources. The Metropolitan Police also submitted further information, including maps illustrating crime data in the vicinity, and suggested conditions such as the use of Body Worn Video (BWV) by door staff and specific procedures in the event of a serious assault.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Jessica Donovan, also raised concerns regarding public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. They highlighted that the West End CIZ has a presumption to refuse applications for fast-food premises that fall outside core hours, and that applicants must demonstrate exceptional circumstances.

Environmental Health, represented by Abdi Mohamed, made a representation based on the potential for an increase in public nuisance in the cumulative impact area due to the extension of late-night refreshment hours. They noted that no further conditions beyond those already on the licence had been proposed by the applicant.

The applicant, Mr Ayash, provided submissions arguing that the extension was for takeaway only and that the premises had a good operating history with no recorded incidents of crime or disorder. He also stated that the business does not sell alcohol and that the extension was necessary for financial viability. Mr Ayash expressed willingness to accept additional licence conditions to address the concerns raised.

The report pack also outlined the relevant policies, including the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically Policy CIP1 (Cumulative Impact Policy), Policy HRS1 (Core Hours Policy), and Policy FFP1 (Fast Food Policy). These policies guide the decision-making process for licensing applications within the West End CIZ. The report also detailed the premises' licence history and listed other licensed premises within 75 metres of Wok and Fire.

The committee was also scheduled to address standard agenda items, including reporting any changes to membership and receiving declarations of interest.