The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council was scheduled to consider four licensing applications. These included new premises licences for Counter By Naroon at 63 Great Titchfield Street and for 11 Dacre Street , as well as a variation to an existing premises licence for Kupp at 5 Merchant Square, and a new premises licence for Basement and Ground Floor Front at 70 Old Compton Street.

Counter By Naroon, 63 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PR

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Counter By Naroon , located at 63 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PR. The applicant, 63 Gts Ltd, sought to operate an authentic traditional Persian café/restaurant. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption, late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment (recorded music). The proposed hours extended to 23:30 on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday hours until 22:30.

The report pack indicated that the Environmental Health department had made representations concerning potential public nuisance and public safety issues related to the requested hours for alcohol sales, late-night refreshment, and recorded music. Additionally, the Middleton Place Residents Association and other individuals had submitted objections, citing concerns about noise, disturbance, and the premises' disregard for regulations. These objections highlighted issues such as noise from a rear glazed roof, alleged breaches of licensing policy, and customers spilling onto the streets. The applicant's representative had provided a mediation letter addressing these concerns, disputing some of the allegations and outlining the business's operational controls and dispersal policy. The report also detailed the premises' licence history, noting a previous licence that had lapsed.

Kupp, Unit 53, 5 Merchant Square, London W2 1AS

A variation to the premises licence for Kupp , a public house at 5 Merchant Square, London W2 1AS, was scheduled for discussion. The applicant, Jd Wetherspoon Plc, sought to vary the start time for the sale of alcohol to 09:00 daily. They also proposed changes to existing conditions, including the availability of substantial food and suitable beverages, the consumption of alcohol off the premises, and the removal of a condition requiring outside customers to be seated after 21:00.

Representations were received from the Paddington Waterways and Maida Vale Society (PWMVS) and the Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA), both objecting to the application. The PWMVS raised concerns that the proposed changes, particularly the earlier alcohol sales and reduced food availability in the evenings, would alter the nature of the operation and potentially impact licensing objectives. They also objected to the removal of the condition requiring outside customers to be seated after 21:00, citing the potential for increased noise nuisance. The HPEA echoed these concerns, highlighting the area's residential nature and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and noise. Both organisations referenced Westminster City Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, particularly regarding core hours and the impact on residential areas.

11 Dacre Street, London SW1H 0DJ

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 11 Dacre Street, London SW1H 0DJ (11 Dacre Street, London SW1H 0DJ). The applicant, Mr Dhavalkumar Trivedi, intended to operate the premises as a convenience retail store with off-sales of alcohol. The proposed hours for alcohol sales were from 10:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 to 22:30 on Sundays.

The Environmental Health Service initially raised concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety, particularly regarding the requested Sunday hours, suggesting they should align with the council's core hours. However, this representation was later withdrawn following the agreement of further conditions. A resident also submitted an objection, citing concerns about increased anti-social behaviour, public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety risks to vulnerable groups, and the potential impact on property values and community well-being. The objector also raised privacy concerns regarding proposed CCTV surveillance and highlighted the proximity of other licensed premises. The applicant's representative provided a mediation response detailing enhanced conditions, including a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV with privacy masking, restrictions on alcohol sales, and litter management plans. A supplementary objection was later submitted by the resident, noting the recent opening of another off-licence nearby, further increasing the concentration of licensed premises in the area.

Basement and Ground Floor Front, 70 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UL

A new premises licence application was scheduled for consideration for the premises at 70 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UL. The applicant, Mrs Suppanawin Kesinee, proposed to operate the premises as a restaurant. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption from 12:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays.

The report indicated that the Environmental Health Service and the Metropolitan Police Service had initially raised representations concerning potential public nuisance, public safety, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. However, these representations were subsequently withdrawn after the applicant agreed to further conditions. The Licensing Authority also initially had concerns regarding the management of the premises during closing hours and the potential impact on the West End Cumulative Impact Area. The applicant proposed a 30-minute winding down period before closing, during which alcohol sales would cease, background music would be reduced, and customers would be encouraged to leave quietly. Following further discussions and agreement on additional conditions, the Licensing Authority also withdrew its representation. The Soho Society had submitted an objection, highlighting the high concentration of licensed premises in the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and the potential for increased crime and public nuisance. They noted that the applicant had provided limited information on cover numbers and proposed conditions beyond general compliance with licensing objectives.