The Licensing Sub-Committee (6) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 31 July 2025 to consider a range of licensing applications. The agenda included proposals for street trading pitch relocation, variations to existing premises licences, and new premises licences for several establishments.

Rescinding Designation for Pitch 3005, Portman Street and Designating New Location for Isolated Pitch 3005, Oxford Street

The committee was scheduled to discuss a street trading application concerning Pitch 3005. The proposal was to rescind the existing designation for Pitch 3005 on Portman Street and establish a new designation for the same pitch number on Oxford Street. The report pack indicated that the original pitch location on Portman Street had become unsuitable due to the relocation of traffic signals following highway works in 2018. The licence holder, Mr. Ian Fordham, had been operating from a temporary location on Oxford Street since 2018. The report detailed a lengthy chronology of correspondence and discussions regarding the relocation, including offers of alternative pitches which were rejected. The licence holder's representative, Eugene O'Regan, had requested consideration for an alternative location on Oxford Street, to the right of the one proposed by the Licensing Service, and an increase in the pitch size to 4m x 2m. The report noted an objection from the Head of Highways Planning to the licence holder's proposed location due to the removal of cycle racks.

Boxcar Baker & Deli, 7a Wyndham Place, London, W1H 1PN

A variation to the premises licence for Boxcar Baker & Deli was scheduled for discussion. The application sought to remove condition 19, which limited alcohol consumption at outside tables to a maximum of 8 persons, and to add a new condition stating that alcohol consumed outside would only be by patrons seated at tables, either within the premises' demise or pursuant to a pavement licence. The applicant, Boxcar Limited, argued that enforcing the limit of 8 persons was difficult and perplexing for patrons. Several objections were received from interested parties, primarily concerning noise levels, public nuisance, and the impact on the residential nature of Wyndham Place. Concerns were raised about potential increases in noise, rubbish, and antisocial behaviour, particularly given the proximity of residential units and other licensed premises. The Environmental Health Service initially made a representation but later withdrew it after agreeing on further conditions, including a direct telephone number for the manager to be available to residents and businesses.

57 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UA

A new premises licence application for 57 Westbourne Grove was listed for determination. The premises, previously licensed as a restaurant until August 2024 when the licence lapsed due to company insolvency, was seeking to operate as a restaurant on the ground floor and basement. The application proposed licensable activities including the sale of alcohol on and off the premises, late-night refreshments, and recorded music. The proposed hours extended beyond Westminster's core hours, leading to objections from the South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA) and other residents. Concerns were raised about increased noise, antisocial behaviour, and the impact on the residential amenity of the area, particularly given the previous operation of a late-night burger restaurant at the same location. The Metropolitan Police Service initially objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder but later withdrew their representation after agreed conditions. Environmental Health also made representations regarding potential increases in public nuisance and public safety, requesting further information on sound insulation, odour prevention, and sanitary provisions.

107 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UW

A new premises licence application for 107 Westbourne Grove was scheduled for discussion. The applicant, Garden Gate Properties Ltd, proposed to operate the premises as a restaurant on the ground floor and basement. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol on the premises, with proposed hours extending to 22:30 on Sundays and 23:30 on weekdays, and 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises is located within the Queensway and Bayswater Special Consideration Zone. Environmental Health Service made representations regarding potential increases in public nuisance and public safety, requesting further information on sound insulation, odour prevention, and sanitary facilities. The Metropolitan Police Service initially objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder, citing the location within a Special Consideration Zone and the potential for increased alcohol-related offences. However, their representation was withdrawn following agreed conditions, which included operating solely as a restaurant with specific conditions on alcohol sales, CCTV, and incident logging. SEBRA also submitted an objection, primarily concerning noise and public nuisance, and requested specific conditions regarding deliveries, waste collection, and external areas.

Ground Floor West, 34 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NR

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Ground Floor West at 34 Bruton Place. The applicant, Ametora Leisure Group Limited, proposed to operate the premises as a small, high-end cocktail bar. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol, recorded music, and off-sales of alcohol for specific scenarios, including external tables subject to a pavement licence. The proposed hours for alcohol sales extended to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and recorded music was proposed until 01:00 on Thursdays and Saturdays. Environmental Health Service made representations regarding the potential for increased public nuisance and public safety issues due to the proposed hours for music and alcohol sales. Objections were also received from residents of Bruton Place, who expressed concerns about the late hours, the over-commercialisation of the street, and inconsistencies in the application regarding capacity and external seating. They requested stricter conditions on deliveries, waste management, and operating hours, proposing a hard stop at 11 pm for most days.

The agenda also included standard items such as membership changes and declarations of interest.