Agenda and minutes

To report any changes to the membership.

1.1       It was noted that there was no change to the membership.

To receive declarations by Members and Officers of the existence and nature of any pecuniary interests or any other significant interest in matters on this agenda.

2.1       It was noted that there were no declarations of interest.

WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE NO. (1)

INTERIM STEPS REVIEW DECISION

Tuesday 19 November 2024

Membership:           Councillor Aziz Toki, Councillor Maggie Carman and Councillor Caroline Sargent

Expedited Review of a Premises Licence in respect of Heaven Nightclub, 10A The Arches, London WC2N 6NG (“The Premises”)

1.     The Committee has determined an application to review the Interim Steps imposed on 15 November 2024 under the Licensing Act 2003 (“The Act”) in respect of the premises licence for Heaven Nightclub, 10A The Arches, London WC2N 6NG.

2.     The Metropolitan Police Service (“Police”) submitted an application for a Summary Review of the above Premises Licence pursuant to Section 53A the Act on 13 November 2024 as the Police considered the Premises was associated with serious crime.

3.     The Premises Licence Holder (“PLH”) for the Premises Licence is Heaven (London) Limited.

4.     The Committee recognises that the proceedings set out in the Act for reviewing premises licences represent a key protection for the public when problems associated with serious crime and serious disorder occur. 

5.     The Act provides the Licensing Authority with powers that it may exercise as specified in the Sub-Committee report. 

6.     The outcome of the review will be determined at the full hearing. 

7.     On the 15 November, the Licensing Committee concluded that it was necessary and appropriate to suspend the Premises Licence pending the full review hearing.

8.     The purpose of today’s hearing is for the Committee to consider whether the interim step imposed on the 15 November 2024 was necessary and appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives and to determine whether to withdraw or modify the step taken. 

9.     Based on the evidence at this hearing, the Committee continues to be acutely aware of the importance of this venue to the whole community, and its historic and ongoing role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The Committee has regard to its public sector equality duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.

10. In summary, section 149 provides that a Public Authority must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to:

(a)       eliminate discrimination harassment, victimisation and any other                   conduct that is prohibited by or under this Act;

(b)       advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant      protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; and

(c)       foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected             characteristics and persons who do not share it.

11. Section 149 (7) of the Equality Act 2010 defines the relevant protected characteristics as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

12. Whilst this is not the only LGBGTQ+ venue in the Borough, the Committee recognises the iconic nature of this premises, and they still would like to see Heaven succeed. The Committee, nevertheless, has a duty to promote the Licensing Objectives (Sec 4(1) of the Act) and in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and promotion of public safety.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.