The Licensing Sub-Committee (2) met on Thursday 8 October 2026 to consider three licensing applications. The applications involved variations to existing premises licences and new premises licences, with discussions focusing on operating hours, licensable activities, and potential impacts on licensing objectives.

Licensing Applications for Determination

Box, Development Site at 19 - 23 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ED

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Box at 19 - 23 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ED. The application, submitted by Arc Inspirations Limited, sought to extend the permitted hours for various licensable activities, including the exhibition of films, live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment. A significant aspect of the variation was the proposed extension of hours for the basement area, known as Box Below, to 2:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays. The applicant also proposed specific conditions for Box Below, including it operating as a pre-booked, seated, food-led venue with alcohol served ancillary to substantial table meals.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, the Metropolitan Police Service, and the Environmental Health Service, raising concerns about potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety, particularly due to the premises' location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone¹. The Soho Society also lodged an objection, highlighting concerns about the cumulative impact of late-night premises on the residential community and the overall ecosystem of Soho. The Metropolitan Police Service later withdrew their representation following agreement on further conditions and a reduction in applied-for hours.

The report pack detailed the proposed changes to operating hours for different licensable activities and areas within the premises, including specific conditions for Box Below such as a maximum capacity of 150 seated customers and a requirement for waiter/waitress service. It also outlined relevant policies from the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy, including those pertaining to the West End Cumulative Impact Zone (CIP1), Pubs and Bars (PB1), and Music and Dance venues (MD1).

48 Crawford Street, London W1H 1JY

A new premises licence application was scheduled for consideration for 48 Crawford Street, London W1H 1JY, submitted by The Sushi Co (W) Limited. The premises intended to operate as a Japanese restaurant, offering dine-in and third-party delivery services. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment indoors from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am daily, with the premises open to the public until 2:00 am.

The Metropolitan Police Service initially made representations opposing the application, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder due to the proposed hours extending beyond core hours and the premises' location in a residential area. However, these representations were withdrawn on 7 September 2026 following an agreement on further conditions and a reduction in the applied-for hours. Environmental Health also submitted a representation, noting that the requested hours could lead to an increase in public nuisance and impact public safety. Additional conditions were proposed by Environmental Health and agreed upon by the applicant to address these concerns.

The report detailed the proposed licensable activities and hours, including specific conditions related to the operation of the restaurant and delivery service, such as CCTV requirements, incident logging, and instructions for delivery drivers. Relevant policies, including the Core Hours Policy (HRS1) and the Restaurant Policy (RNT1), were referenced.

2 Victoria Arcade, London SW1E 5ND

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 2 Victoria Arcade, London SW1E 5ND, submitted by Mr Jonathan Charles Dalton. The premises proposed to operate as a café/bar specialising in Gyoza. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sundays.

The Metropolitan Police Service initially raised objections concerning the prevention of crime and disorder, noting the premises' location within the Victoria Special Consideration Zone² and the potential for increased pressure on an area with existing licensed premises. However, these objections were withdrawn on 23 September 2026 after an agreement on conditions with the applicant. Environmental Health also submitted a representation, indicating that the supply of alcohol could lead to an increase in public nuisance and impact public safety, and proposed further conditions related to sanitary accommodation and noise control.

The report outlined the proposed licensable activities and hours, along with conditions agreed upon with the Metropolitan Police Service, including CCTV requirements, incident logging, and a Challenge 25 policy. Environmental Health proposed additional conditions related to noise, waste management, and the restriction of alcohol sales to seated customers in certain areas.