The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a variation of a premises licence. The hearing was called because the licensing authority considered that relevant representations had been made concerning the application. Councillors were to determine whether the application should be granted and, if so, what conditions should be attached to the licence.

The Rex Rooms, King's Road

The main item for discussion was an application by Bridge 2024 Operations Limited for a variation of the premises licence for The Rex Rooms at 151-153 King's Road. The premises previously operated as the 151 Club.

The applicant, Bridge 2024 Operations Limited, sought to vary the existing premises licence to include:

• The sale of alcohol on Sundays from 12:00 to 03:00 the following day.
• The provision of late night refreshments indoors and outdoors on Sundays from 23:00 to 03:00 the following day.
• Performances of dance and entertainment similar to music or dance on Sundays from 09:00 to 03:00 the following day.

According to the report pack, the licensing authority received two representations opposing the application, and six representations supporting it.

Those opposing the application raised concerns regarding:

• Noise levels emanating from the premises.
• Disturbance and occasional criminal disorder caused by patrons leaving at 03:00.
• The appropriateness of a 03:00 closing time.
• Noise disturbances from drunken patrons waiting for taxis and Ubers.
• Instances of vomiting and antisocial behaviour since the premises reopened in February 2025.
• The loss of a quiet Sunday night in Chelsea.

Those supporting the application said that:

• The operators are considerate and professional in addressing noise pollution.
• There have been no issues, complaints, disruptions, or anti-social behaviour associated with the venue since the new operators took over.
• Additional filters have been installed to ensure no noise escapes to neighbouring dwellings.
• The presence of doormen guarding the premises contributes to a safer atmosphere.

Planning Assistant George Weir said that there were no planning restrictions in place and raised no objections to the licence in planning terms.

The report pack included extracts from the Secretary of State's Guidance, and Kensington and Chelsea Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The council's statement of licensing policy says that the council has a duty under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights to protect the rights of its residents to privacy and family life, balancing this against the rights of businesses to operate. The statement also says that the Licensing Authority will generally not grant licences or certificates permitting premises to be open to the public beyond midnight when its discretion has been triggered by the receipt of relevant representations.

The report pack also included a list of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) ¹ that had been in place at the premises, a map of the area, and a list of other licensed premises in the vicinity.

The licensing officer's observation in the report pack stated that the committee must consider the representations made, and take steps to promote the licensing objectives, which are:

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• the prevention of public nuisance
• public safety
• the protection of children from harm

The officer noted that if the committee was minded to grant the variation, conditions may be attached to the licence to alleviate the concerns raised through representations.