The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster Council convened to address several licensing applications. The applications included new premises licences for 1 Floral Court and 2 Floral Court, and a new premises licence for the Trocadero at 13 Coventry Street. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to consider a variation of a premises licence for Crockfords Club at 30 Curzon Street, involving the relocation of the premises.

Licensing Applications for Determination

Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for the Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street. The applicant, Genting Casinos UK Limited, intended to operate the premises as a casino, offering gambling facilities alongside a restaurant and bar.

The report pack included details of the proposed licensable activities and hours, with films, indoor sporting events, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, and similar activities proposed from Monday to Sunday, 00:00 to 23:59. Late night refreshment was scheduled for discussion for Monday to Sunday, 23:00 to 05:00, and the sale of alcohol (on sales) from Monday to Sunday, 00:00 to 23:59.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Karyn Abbott, raised concerns about how the premises would promote the four licensing objectives, particularly regarding public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and protection of children from harm. The Licensing Authority noted that the premises was located within the West End Cumulative Impact Area¹ and that various policy points, namely CIP1, HRS1 and CAS1, must be considered.

The Licensing Authority encouraged the applicant to provide details of the capacities for each of the following areas: the hospitality areas, the non-hospitality areas and the capacity of each floor.

The Licensing Authority also suggested that the applicant consider model conditions MC45 and MC46 to replace conditions 39 and 40 of their operating schedule.

MC45 No advertisements of any kind (including placard, poster, sticker, flyer, picture, letter, sign or other mark) that advertises or promotes the establishment, its premises, or any of its events, facilities, goods or services shall be inscribed or affixed upon the surface of the highway, or upon any building, structure, works, street furniture, tree, or any other property, or be distributed to the public.

MC46 There shall be no payment made by or on behalf of the licence holder to any person for bringing customers to the premises.

-- Public reports pack

The Licensing Authority requested that the applicant explain how having these conditions and the operation of the premises would not add to cumulative impact within in the West End Cumulative Impact Zone, in accordance with Policy CIP1.

The Environmental Health Service, represented by Anil Drayan, also raised concerns that the proposal may adversely impact on the Licensing Objectives of Prevention of Public Nuisance and Public Safety.

The Metropolitan Police Service, represented by PC Steve Muldoon, objected to the application, stating that the premise was likely to undermine the prevention of crime and disorder. PC Steve Muldoon stated that the premises was likely to become a destination venue attracting customers who would not ordinarily be in the area.

The Soho Society also objected to the application, stating that the applicant offered to surrender a core hours restaurant licence with a capacity of 600 at 13, Trocadero and replace it with a 1,250, 24 hour casino situated within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone. The Soho Society asked the applicant to confirm the proportion and capacity assigned for gambling facilities and that of the ancillary restaurant, bar and hospitality facilities.

Crockfords Club, Worcester House, 30 Curzon Street

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a variation of a premises licence for Crockfords Club, Worcester House, 30 Curzon Street. The applicant, Genting Casinos UK Limited, sought to relocate the converted casino to the Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Karyn Abbott, noted that the applicant had provided a comprehensive risk assessment with the application, and asked the applicant to provide submissions on if there were any extra measures in place for the departure of customers from the premises, so they do not become victims of crime.

The Environmental Health Service, represented by Anil Drayan, raised concerns that the proposal to relocate to the Trocadero may adversely impact on the Licensing Objectives of Prevention of Public Nuisance. Public Safety and Protection of Children from Harm.

The Metropolitan Police Service, represented by PC Steve Muldoon, objected to this application, stating that the area where this new venue is proposed is an area that has the highest crime levels in London with matter ranging from theft, robbery, violence related matters and public order.

The Soho Society also objected to the application, stating that the new casino will be in the heart of the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and surrounded by other late night premises.

1 Floral Court, Westminster, London, WC2E 9FB and 2 Floral Court, Westminster, London, WC2E 9FB

The committee was scheduled to consider new premises licence applications for 1 Floral Court and 2 Floral Court.

Both premises are located in the St James's ward and the West End Cumulative Impact Area.

The applicant sought the following licensable activities:

• The provision of Supply of Alcohol both 'On' and 'Off' the premises Monday to Saturday 10:00 hours to 00:00 hours and Sunday 10:00 hours to 22:30.
• The provision of Late-Night Refreshment 'indoors' only Monday to Saturday 23:00 hours to 00:00 hours.

Stephanie Appiah-Anderson, representing Environmental Health, stated that the provision of Supply of Alcohol and the hours requested would have the likely effect of causing an increase in Public Nuisance and impact upon Public Safety.

Jessica Donovan, representing the Licensing Authority, stated that the Licensing Authority had concerns in relation to this application and how the premises would promote the four Licensing Objectives:

• Public Nuisance
• Prevention of Crime & Disorder
• Public Safety
• Protection of children from harm

The Licensing Authority noted that the proposed hours on this application fall outside of Westminster's core hours for restaurants.

The Licensing Authority also noted that the applicant proposed Westminster's Model Conditions MC66 within their operating schedule to bring the application to fall in line with the RNT1 policy as follows:

MC66: The premises shall only operate as a restaurant,

(i) in which customers are shown to their table or the customer will select a table themselves, (ii) where the supply of alcohol is by waiter or waitress service only,

(iii) which provide food in the form of substantial table meals that are prepared on the premises and are served and consumed at the table,

(iv) which do not provide any takeaway service of food or drink for immediate consumption off the premises,

(v) where alcohol shall not be sold or supplied, otherwise than for consumption by persons who are seated in the premises and bona fide taking substantial table meals there, and provided always that the consumption of alcohol by such persons is ancillary to taking such meals.

For the purpose of this condition 'Substantial Table Meal' means – a meal such as might be expected to be served as the main midday or main evening meal, or as a main course at either such meal and is eaten by a person seated at a table, or at a counter or other structure which serves the purposes of a table and is not used for the service of refreshments for consumption by persons not seated at a table or structure servicing the purposes of a table.

Notwithstanding this condition customers are permitted to take from the premises part consumed and resealed bottles of wine supplied ancillary to their meal.

-- Public reports pack

The Licensing Authority would like the applicant to provide further submissions so the application can be assessed further and against any other relevant policy considerations.

A local resident objected to the application, stating that while they supported the granting of a license, the times that the outdoor seating and serving should be restricted to 10:30pm latest on all nights.