The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council was scheduled to convene on Wednesday 1 October 2025, to consider licensing applications for three premises: Smiths Bar and Grill, Slim Chickens and 72-74 Edgware Road. Councillors Councillor Patrick Lilley, Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Lead Member for Soho and LGBTQ+ Champion, Councillor Hamza Taouzzale and Councillor Tim Mitchell were listed as the members for the meeting.

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to note any changes to membership, and receive any declarations of interest.

Licensing Applications

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003, taking into account Westminster Council's statement of licensing policy, effective from October 2021, and any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Smiths Bar and Grill, 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a premises licence variation application for Smiths Bar and Grill at 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY. London Restaurants Limited applied to vary the premises licence to:

• Remove condition 20, which states:

Regulated Entertainment shall only be provided in the basement of the premises.

• Reword condition 43 to remove reference to condition 20.
• Add two new conditions to the premises licence:

1.  All live music shall be played at a volume and in a manner that ensures no noise disturbance is caused to nearby residential properties. The licence holder shall take all reasonable steps to prevent nuisance, including but not limited to:

*   Ensuring doors and windows remain closed during performances (except for access/egress)
*   Positioning performers and speakers to minimise sound escape

2.  The licence holder shall regularly monitor noise levels at the boundary of the premises during live music events and shall maintain a log of any complaints received and the action taken.

According to the report pack, the premises operates as a restaurant and bar.

The applicant submitted a statement from Odil Raupov, the manager and Designated Premises Supervisor¹.

Representations were received from Environmental Health Service representative Maxwell Koduah, and a ward councillor, objecting to the application on the grounds of potential public nuisance. Objections were also received from residents, citing concerns about noise, disregard for regulations, and impact on quality of life.

Slim Chickens, 167-169 Edgware Road, London W2 2HR

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a premises licence variation application for Slim Chickens at 167-169 Edgware Road, London W2 2HR. The applicant, Gourmet Burger Kitchen (Uk) Limited, sought to extend the permitted hours for late night refreshment, both indoors and outdoors, until 01:00 hours from Monday to Saturday.

The report pack notes that the premises are situated in the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone².

The applicant is offering a condition that:

The provision of late night refreshment after 11.30 on Monday to Thursday and 12 midnight on Saturday will only be by way of collection for delivery to customers at a residential or commercial address.

Representations were received from Ayesha Bolton of the Environmental Health Service, and several residents, objecting to the application. The grounds for objection included concerns about increased public nuisance, public safety, noise, litter, anti-social behaviour, and offensive smells.

72-74 Edgware Road, London W2 2EG

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 72-74 Edgware Road, London W2 2EG. The applicant sought the following licensable activities:

• Supply of alcohol, both on and off the premises, Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 00:00, and Sunday from 09:00 to 23:30. From the end of permitted hours on New Year's Eve to the start of permitted hours on New Year's Day. On Sundays prior to bank holidays/public holidays: 09:00 - 00:00 (alcohol) 00:30 (Late Night Refreshment, recorded music and closing).
• Late Night Refreshment, indoors only, Monday to Saturday from 23:00 to 00:30, and Sunday from 23:00 to 23:30. From the end of permitted hours on New Year's Eve to the start of permitted hours on New Year's Day. On Sundays prior to bank holidays/public holidays 09:00 - 00:00 (alcohol) 00:30 (Late Night Refreshment, recorded music and closing).
• Regulated Entertainment: Recorded Music, indoors only, Monday to Saturday from 23:00 to 00:30, and Sunday from 23:00 to 23:30. From the end of permitted hours on New Year's Eve to the start of permitted hours on New Year's Day, On Sundays prior to bank holidays/public holidays 09:00 - 00:00 (alcohol) 00:30 (Late Night Refreshment, recorded music and closing).

The report pack notes that the premises are located within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone.

Representations were received from Stephanie Appiah-Anderson of Environmental Health, ward councillors, and residents, objecting to the application. The grounds for objection included concerns about increased public nuisance, crime, and disorder.