The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 01 October 2026 to consider several licensing applications. The meeting's agenda included the determination of premises licence variations and new premises licences for various establishments across the city.

Licensing Applications for Determination

The committee was scheduled to consider four licensing applications:

THIRST, 23 - 24 BATEMAN STREET, LONDON, W1D 3AW

This application was for a variation of a premises licence for Thirst, a cocktail bar located in the West End ward. The applicant, Spirit Bar Limited, sought to extend the terminal hour for licensable activities on Sundays and to add a condition for seating to be maintained for at least 95 persons. The report pack detailed representations from the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health, and the Licensing Authority, all raising concerns about the potential impact on licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance, due to the premises' location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and the proposed extension beyond Westminster's core hours. The Soho Society and local residents also submitted objections, citing increased noise, disturbance, and cumulative impact. Conversely, one resident expressed support for the application, believing it would help revitalise Soho's nightlife.

SIMMONS, 2 BATEMAN STREET, LONDON W1D 4AE

This application was for a new premises licence for Simmons, a proposed cocktail bar in the West End ward. East Street Leisure Limited applied for hours extending beyond Westminster's core hours for recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Metropolitan Police Service, and Environmental Health, all expressing concerns regarding public nuisance, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly due to the premises' location within the West End CIZ and the proposed extended hours. Several individuals and the Soho Business Alliance submitted representations in support, highlighting the venue's professional management and its potential to contribute positively to the night-time economy and stagger customer dispersal. The Soho Society, however, objected, citing the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area and the potential for increased noise and disorder. Shield Associates, a consultancy formed by former senior Metropolitan Police officers, provided two reports assessing the venue's compliance and licensing impact, concluding that the proposed extension to 03:00 hours on Fridays and Saturdays would likely not have an adverse impact, provided existing management practices were maintained.

THE RESIDENCY, 50 WESTBOURNE GROVE, LONDON W2 5SH

This application was for a variation of a premises licence for The Residency, a restaurant in the Bayswater ward. Milk Burger Limited sought to amend existing conditions related to the use of the outside rear garden/terrace area. The proposed variation aimed to allow licensable activities in the rear garden until 21:00 daily, a change from the existing prohibition. Representations were received from Environmental Health, the South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA), the Bayswater Residents' Association (BRA), and the Notting Hill East Neighbourhood Forum, all objecting on the grounds of potential public nuisance. Concerns were raised about noise, disturbance, and the impact on the quiet residential nature of adjacent streets, particularly Newton Road. The applicant's policy submissions argued that the proposed 21:00 curfew for the garden would strike an appropriate balance and that the premises' operation as a seated restaurant would mitigate risks.

WETHERSPOONS, PADDINGTON SQUARE, WESTMINSTER, LONDON W2 1DL

This application was for a new premises licence for a Wetherspoons pub, to be known as The Sorting Office, located in the Hyde Park ward within the Paddington Square development. J D Wetherspoon Plc applied for hours extending significantly beyond Westminster's core hours for late-night refreshment, the sale of alcohol, and opening times. Representations were received from Environmental Health, the South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA), and the Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA), all objecting to the proposed hours. Concerns were raised about potential increases in public nuisance, public safety issues, and crime and disorder, particularly given the proximity to residential areas and hotels, and the station's late-night activity. The objectors argued that the proposed hours were excessive and should adhere to Westminster's core hours. The applicant's submissions highlighted the premises' location within a development and its operation as a standard Wetherspoons pub with a food menu.

The committee was also scheduled to address membership changes and declarations of interest as part of the meeting's initial proceedings.