The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) met on Friday 17 May 2024 to consider an expedited review of the premises licence for Louche, located at 4 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DB. The committee decided to suspend the main premises licence with immediate effect due to serious crime associated with the venue. The shadow licence for the same premises was not suspended.

Expedited Review of Premises Licence for Louche, 4 Greek Street

The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) convened to consider an application for an expedited review of the premises licence for Louche, 4 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DB. This review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police Service due to concerns that the premises were associated with serious crime. The committee heard evidence and submissions from both the Police and the Premises Licence Holder (PLH).

The Metropolitan Police Service, represented by Mr Armin Solimani, applied for an interim suspension of the licence pending a full review. The Police cited a serious sexual assault that occurred on the premises on 4 May 2024, as well as a previous incident of actual bodily harm (ABH) on 28 April 2024. They argued that the response from staff to these incidents was inadequate, and that there had been a failure to cooperate with police investigations. PC Steve Muldoon highlighted specific failings, including the inadequate preservation of a crime scene and the failure to detain suspects. He stated, We want to protect safety over the next few weeks by seeking a suspension of the licence. The Police also noted that another venue operated by the same owners had previously breached licensing conditions.

The Premises Licence Holder, represented by Mr Dennis Rogers and Mr Elliott Dennis Rogers, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident on 4 May but highlighted the immediate changes implemented since then. These included appointing a new General Manager, Ruben Santos, and a new security company, as well as retraining all staff in Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) and crime scene preservation. Mr Elliott Dennis Rogers explained the events of the night in question, and Mr Dennis Rogers stressed that they were a family business that would be significantly impacted by a licence suspension. He stated, We have put everything in place that would be put into place.

The Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Angela Piddock, with members Councillor Iman Less and Councillor Caroline Sargent, considered the evidence. They concluded that the premises were associated with serious crime and that it was necessary to take immediate interim steps to promote the licensing objectives.

Decision:

The Sub-Committee decided to:

• Suspend the Main Premises Licence for Louche, 4 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DB, with immediate effect.
• Exclude the sale of alcohol from the scope of the licence.
• Remove the Designated Premises Supervisor.
• Not suspend the shadow licence for the premises, deeming it inappropriate and disproportionate in this instance.

The Sub-Committee noted that the full review hearing would take place within 28 days of the Police application. They also strongly recommended that the Main PLH obtain independent legal advice.

The decision was made under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, which allows for the expedited review of premises licences associated with serious crime or disorder. The Sub-Committee's reasoning was based on the evidence presented, which indicated a failure to uphold the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder, and a lack of confidence in the PLH's ability to run the premises safely pending the full review.

The Metropolitan Police Service was represented by Mr Armin Solimani (Counsel), PC Steve Muldoon, and PC Adam Deweltz. The Premises Licence Holder (Main Licence) was represented by Mr Elliott Dennis Rogers and Mr Dennis Rogers. The Premises Licence Holder (Shadow Licence) was represented by Mr Niall McCann (Solicitor) and Mr Chaim Aziz. Officers present included Presenting Officer Kevin Jackaman and Legal Adviser Horatio Chance.