A Licensing Sub-Committee of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Sami 1984 Ltd, located at 145 Dovehouse Street, London, SW3 6LB. The meeting will address the proposed hours for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshments, and the overall opening hours of the premises, alongside numerous representations received from local residents, community associations, and healthcare providers.

Application for Premises Licence at 145 Dovehouse Street

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application from Sami 1984 Ltd for a new premises licence for the property at 145 Dovehouse Street, London, SW3 6LB. The applicant seeks to permit the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises, and the provision of late-night refreshments indoors. The proposed hours for these activities are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 02:00 for alcohol sales, and 23:00 to 02:30 for late-night refreshments, with the premises open to the public until 02:30. On Sundays, the proposed hours are 12:00 to 23:30 for alcohol sales, 23:00 to 00:00 for late-night refreshments, and the premises open until 00:00.

The application is for a bona fide restaurant with alcohol supplied as ancillary to a substantial table meal. The applicant has volunteered a series of conditions aimed at promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These include measures such as operating a CCTV system, maintaining an incident log, employing SIA-licensed door supervisors on certain nights, implementing a Challenge 25 age-verification policy, and keeping external doors and windows closed after 23:00.

However, the application has generated significant opposition. The report pack details numerous representations received from local residents, community associations including the Dovehouse Residents' Association, Old Church Street Residents' Association, Astell Street et al Residents' Association, Sydney Street Resident's Association, and Chelsea Square Garden Ltd. Objections have also been lodged by Councillor Kim Taylor-Smith and Councillor Josh Rendall, both representing Stanley Ward.

The primary grounds for objection relate to the prevention of public nuisance and public safety, stemming from the proposed late operating hours. Concerns are frequently raised about the potential for noise disturbance from customers leaving the premises, congregating outside, vehicle movements, and delivery drivers. The proximity of the premises to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Brompton Hospital is a recurring theme in the objections, with particular worry expressed about the impact on vulnerable patients and hospital staff who require a quiet environment.

Several objectors have also raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion, litter, and anti-social behaviour in the predominantly residential area. The possibility of the premises operating as a shisha bar has also been raised as a significant concern by multiple parties, citing potential smoke and odour issues, as well as fire risks.

The report pack also includes a representation from Mr Philip Richardson on behalf of the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance Team, who objects to the proposed hours on the grounds of public nuisance and requests a reduction in terminal hours to midnight, in line with the Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Planning Department has stated that the premises has historically operated as a restaurant and public house and that the application is consistent with the lawful planning use, with no planning conditions or limitations relevant to the application.

The Licensing Sub-Committee will consider these representations and decide whether to grant the application in full, modify the proposed conditions, refuse to specify a designated premises supervisor, or reject the application entirely, all with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives. The committee will also have regard to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State's Guidance.

The documents related to this meeting include the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.