The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster Council was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for a Wetherspoons public house. The committee was also scheduled to review membership changes and receive declarations of interest.

Wetherspoons, 1 Paddington Square

The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for a Wetherspoons public house, to be known as The Sorting Office, located at 1 Paddington Square, Westminster, London, W2 1DL. The application, reference number 26/05413/LIPN, was submitted by J D Wetherspoon Plc and proposed the sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, as well as late-night refreshment.

The applicant proposed operating hours from 06:30 to 00:00 on Mondays to Wednesdays, 06:30 to 01:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 06:30 to 00:30 on Sundays. The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol were from 08:00 to 23:30 on Mondays to Wednesdays, 08:00 to 00:30 on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 08:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. Late-night refreshment was proposed to be available from 23:00 to 23:30 on Mondays to Wednesdays, 23:00 to 00:30 on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 23:00 to 23:30 on Sundays.

Representations were received from Environmental Health and two residents' associations: the South East Bayswater Residents Association (SEBRA) and the Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA). Environmental Health raised concerns that the proposed hours for late-night refreshment and the supply of alcohol could have the likely effect of causing an increase in public nuisance and may impact upon public safety. They also noted that the provision of sanitary accommodation needed to be at least in line with BS6465 standards.

Both SEBRA and HPEA objected to the proposed hours, arguing they were excessive and exceeded Westminster's Core Hours for pubs and bars. SEBRA stated that the hours applied for would no doubt attract customers to drink very early or drink very late and could lead to noise, anti-social behaviour, and possible crime and disorder issues. HPEA echoed these concerns, highlighting the proximity of residential areas and hotels, and suggesting that the premises should adhere to Westminster's core hours.

The report pack also detailed the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy, which outlines core hours for various premises types. For pubs and bars, core hours are generally Monday to Thursday: 10:00 to 23:30, Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 00:00, and Sunday: 12:00 to 22:30. The application's proposed hours for alcohol sales and opening significantly extended beyond these core hours on several days.

The report pack included a list of mandatory conditions that would apply to any granted licence, as well as conditions proposed by the applicant, Environmental Health, and the residents' associations. These included requirements for staff training, CCTV systems, incident reporting, and the operation of an age verification policy, such as Challenge 25. Proposed conditions from residents' associations included restrictions on taking drinks outside, keeping doors and windows closed after 21:00, and limiting off-sales of alcohol to be part of a food order.

The committee was also scheduled to consider policy considerations, including the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy 2021 and guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. The report pack also included appendices detailing premises plans, applicant supporting documents, premises history, proposed conditions, and a residential map with a list of nearby licensed premises.