The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 05 February 2026, to consider three licensing applications. The committee heard applications for a new premises licence for Soho Social, a variation of a premises licence for Piccadilly Kiosk Limited, and a variation of a premises licence for Greek Street Live.

Soho Social, 9 Berwick Street, W1P 0PJ

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Soho Social, located at 9 Berwick Street, London, W1P 0PJ. The application was for a time-limited licence from 1 February 2026 to 1 February 2027, allowing for the sale of alcohol and for the premises to operate as a restaurant and lounge.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health, the Licensing Authority, and several interested parties, including residents and the Soho Society. The primary concerns raised by objectors centred on the potential for the premises to operate as a bar rather than a restaurant, which they argued would exacerbate existing issues of noise, crime, and disorder within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). Specific concerns included noise from music and patrons, breaches of existing licence conditions, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour.

The applicant proposed amendments to the licence conditions, including reducing the sale of alcohol end times to 21:00. They argued that the proposed changes would not significantly impact the CIZ, as the main issues associated with cumulative impact occur after 21:00. They also highlighted the national licensing policy framework, which encourages growth and economic benefits for businesses.

During the hearing, the applicant's representative requested to withdraw the application. The committee acknowledged the withdrawal and stated that a formal determination would be made within five days.

Piccadilly Kiosk Limited, 59 St Martins Lane, WC2N 4JS

The committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for Piccadilly Kiosk Limited, located at 59 St Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4JS. The application sought to extend the hours for the off-sale of alcohol to align with the council's core hours policy and to regularise the premises' opening hours to 24 hours a day.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, Environmental Health, the Licensing Authority, and one interested party. The police and Environmental Health withdrew their objections after agreeing on additional conditions. The interested party, a resident, maintained their objection, citing concerns about noise, deliveries, and potential disturbance from rough sleepers. They proposed limiting alcohol sales to 22:00, consistent with local retailers like Tesco.

The applicant's representative explained that the 24-hour opening was for non-licensable activities and that the application was primarily to extend alcohol sales to the council's core hours. They argued that the proposed conditions, including those agreed with Environmental Health, would address the resident's concerns. The applicant also clarified that Tesco's operating hours were similar to those proposed.

The committee heard arguments regarding the impact on the West End CIZ and the definition of a shop under the council's policy. The applicant's representative stated that the application was being made on its own merits and that the proposed hours were within the council's core hours policy.

The committee did not announce a decision on this item at the meeting, stating that it would take five days to make a determination.

Greek Street Live, 4 Greek Street, W1D 4DB

The committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for Greek Street Live, located at 4 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DB. The variation sought to include the basement area within the licensable activities, without increasing the overall capacity, hours, or types of licensable activities.

Representations were received from one interested party, a resident, who objected to the inclusion of the basement area. The resident argued that this would effectively increase the venue's operational footprint and patron numbers, leading to greater disturbance. They also raised concerns about ongoing issues with patrons taking drinks outside the premises and noise from music and the retractable frontage, despite existing conditions.

The applicant's representative stated that the basement was already included in the premises' capacity under Condition 31 of the existing licence and that no increase in capacity or activity was being sought. They addressed the concerns about drinks outside and noise, assuring the objector that conditions were enforced and that they were committed to being a considerate neighbour. The applicant also offered to meet with the resident to discuss their concerns.

The resident maintained their objection, stating that the proposed variation would still lead to an intensification of use and exacerbate existing issues. The committee heard arguments from both sides regarding the interpretation of existing conditions and the potential impact on the local community.

The committee did not announce a decision on this item at the meeting, stating that it would retire to make a decision in private session.