The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to consider several licensing applications. The agenda included a new premises licence application for a restaurant and applications for the renewal and variation of a sexual entertainment venue licence.

New Premises Licence Application: 43 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2TA

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Circle Cafe, located at 43 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2TA. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment, both indoors and outdoors, from 23:00 to 02:00, Monday to Sunday. The premises' opening hours were proposed to be from 10:00 to 02:00 from Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 to 23:00 on Sundays.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police, Environmental Health, and several local residents. The Metropolitan Police initially objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder, specifically concerning the use of the outside terrace for shisha smoking. However, they later withdrew their representation following agreement on further conditions. Environmental Health raised concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety due to the provision of late-night refreshment, both indoors and outdoors, until 2am.

Multiple residents also lodged objections. Key concerns included the unsuitability of the location for a late licence due to its proximity to sheltered accommodation for elderly and vulnerable residents, potential for public nuisance from noise, smoke, and increased footfall, and the impact on the character of the area. Some objectors specifically opposed the removal of a no-shisha clause and the extension of terrace use beyond 9pm. There were also concerns raised about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and the impact on residents' quality of life. One resident noted that the public notice attached to the application appeared incorrect and that the application was for the removal of conditions forbidding shisha and allowing exterior terrace use until 1am, rather than an extension of operating hours.

The report pack outlined the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ and guidance from the Secretary of State under the Licensing Act 2003². Specific policies relevant to the application included those concerning the prevention of crime and disorder (CD1), public safety (PS1), public nuisance (PN1), and the protection of children from harm (CH1). The policy also defined restaurants and set out core hours for various premises uses, including restaurants. The applicant's supporting statement highlighted a proven track record of operating the external area without complaint and proposed a structured approach to late-night external area management, including ceasing service at 01:00 and full closure by 01:30.

Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence Renewal and Variation: Spearmint Rhino, 17-19 Great Windmill Street, London, W1D 7JZ

The committee was also scheduled to consider two applications relating to Spearmint Rhino, located at 17-19 Great Windmill Street, London, W1D 7JZ. The first was an application for the renewal of the sex establishment licence (SEV licence) under Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. The second was an application to vary the existing SEV licence.

The renewal application sought to continue providing relevant entertainment, described as full and partial nudity striptease, between the hours of 09:00 to 05:00, Monday to Saturday. The applicant, RKW Limited, had not requested changes to the entertainment or standard conditions. The report noted that the premises had operated as a sex establishment since 2012, with a history of both granted and refused applications, including a previous refusal in 2018. The current licence had been transferred to RKW Limited in March 2025.

One objection was received within the consultation period, and three outside of it, from interested parties. These objectors wished to remain anonymous. The objections raised concerns about procedural breaches, including retrospective applications for internal layout changes that had already been completed, and inadequate public notification. It was suggested that the applicant was an American-based company with a disregard for licensing rules, although the applicant stated they are an English company. Concerns were also raised about the premises' recent compliance history under previous ownership, the proximity to a school, and the potential negative impact on the local area, including litter and intoxicated patrons lingering past closing hours. One objector specifically requested that the premises be returned to its previously authorised layout before any variation application was considered.

The variation application sought to alter the premises' internal layout, including the addition of a fixed seating area and changing area for staff and dancers on the first floor, and an additional manager's office on the second floor. Again, the applicant had not requested changes to the type of entertainment or standard conditions.

The relevant policy considerations included the suitability of the applicant, the appropriate number of SEVs in the locality (with a policy maximum of 25 in the Westminster core CAZ North), the character of the locality, and the use of premises in the vicinity. The report also highlighted legal implications, including the committee's power to grant, partially grant, or refuse the applications, and considerations under the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act 2010.

The report pack included appendices detailing the existing sex establishment licence, licence history, application forms, supporting documents, objections received, and the premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003.