Agenda item

Ward CIA* SCZ**	Site Name & Address	Application Type	Licensing Reference No.
St James’s West End* None**	15 Neal St, WC2H 9PU	New Premises Licence	22/0731/LIPN
*Cumulative Impact Area ** Special Consideration Zone

 

WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE NO. 2

 

 30^th June 2022 – ITEM 3

 

Membership:      Councillor Maggie Carman (Chair) Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Councillor Melvyn Caplan

 

Officer Support   Legal Adviser:              Viviene Walker

                           Policy Officer:               Kerry Simpkin

                           Committee Officer:       Jack Robinson-Young

                            Presenting Officer:       Emanuela Meloyan

 

 

Present:             Craig Baylis (Kingsley Napley LLP), Tom Johnson

                          (Project Director), Ian Watson (Environmental HealthService),

                           Roxsana Haq (Licensing Authority)

PC Reaz Guerra (Metropolitan Police Service), David Kaner & Robert Thompson (Covent Garden Community Association), Richard Brown (Soho Society and Covent Garden Community Association) Marina Tempia (The Soho Society), Sophie Levenson & Alun Thomas, (The Mercer Company) and Robert McCraken QC.

 

 

Application for a New Premises Licence in respect of 15 Neal Street London WC2H 9PU 22/02731/LIPN 

 

                                                     Full Decision

 

Premises

 

15 Neal Street,

London WC2H 9PU

 

Applicant

 

Diageo Great Britain Limited

 

Cumulative Impact Area

 

West End

 

Ward

 

St. James’s

 

Special Consideration Zone

 

None

 

Summary of Application

 

The Sub-Committee has determined an application for a new Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 (“The Act”).  The Premises intend to operate as a retail/souvenir shop with the ancillary retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.

 

There is a resident count of 178.

 

 

Representations received (across all applications)

 

•        Metropolitan Police (PC Reaz Guerra)

•        Environmental Health (Ian Watson)

•        Licensing Authority (Jessica Donovan)

•        Covent Garden Community Association (David Kaner)

•        Covent Garden Area Trust (Miriam Holland)

•        The Soho Society (Marina Tempia)

•        The Mercers Company (Simon Taylor)

•        16 Local residents

 

 

Summary of issues raised by objectors

 

·       These applications taken together and individually, will fail to promote the licensing objectives of the Prevention of Public Nuisance if granted as applied for. This is because of the impact of the operation of the individual premises and the process of arrival and dispersal of customers towards the end of the hours applied for, which are in all cases Westminster City Council’s Core Hours. The proposed process of dispersal will also harm the Public Safety Licensing Objective.

·       The distress and nuisance this is going to cause within our neighbourhood is intolerable. We already have a huge development at 90 Long Acre on one side of our residential site that is going to have bars and restaurants and now we will be under further stress when the Guinness Group try and move in.

·       The site is close to several residential developments and as a result residents will be adversely affected.

·       These premises are in close proximity to Soho and we are concerned that if successful these premises will increase cumulative impact within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and fail to promote the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

·       A suggestion to review the entire operation after one year from commencing to see what impact, if any, on residents and businesses. This way the residents and businesses in the area can monitor the impact on their lives.

·       The Mercers Company supported the applications and stated:

We have spent a long time with Diageo to ensure that the applications are appropriately balanced and drafted so that they do not add to cumulative impact, are within Core Hours and subject to appropriate model conditions. If granted, “Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard is scheduled to open in Autumn 2023.  The Mercers commend the application to you we hope for your approval.

 

 

Policy Position

 

CIP1

 

It is the Licensing Authority’s policy to refuse applications within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone for pubs and bars, fast food premises and music and dancing and similar entertainment, other than applications to vary hours within core hours under Policy HRS1, and/or vary the licence to reduce the overall capacity of the premises. Applications for other premises types within the West End Cumulative Impact Zones will be subject to other premises types within the West End Cumulative Impact Zones will be subject to other policies within this statement and must demonstrate that they will not add to cumulative impact.

 

HRS1

 

Applications within the core hours will generally be granted for the relevant premises uses, subject to not being contrary to other policies in the Statement of Licensing Policy.  Applications for hours outside the core hours would be considered on their merits, subject to other relevant policies and with particular regard to the following:

 

The demonstration of compliance in the requirements of policies CD1, PS1, PN1 and CH1 associated with the likelihood of the effect of the grant of a licence for later or earlier hours on crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

 

SHP1

 

Applications for a shop inside the West End Cumulative Impact Zone will be considered on their own merits and subject to 1. The application meeting the requirements of policies CD1, PS1, PN1 and CH1. 2. The hours for licensable activities are within the Council’s Core Hours Policy HRS1.

 

 

SUBMISSIONS AND REASONS

 

Ms Emanuela Meloyan, Senior Licensing Officer, summarised the application set out in the report before the Sub-Committee.

 

Mr Craig Baylis, solicitor for the Applicant introduced the applications by explaining that all alcohol is ancillary to foods and dining has an average cost of £40/£50 a head per person. The restaurant covers 3 separate floors, the ground floor, the first floor and the sixth floor. The sixth floor has an external terrace which Mr Baylis was happy to accept a condition for this to be vacated by 21:00 to reduce noise disturbance to residents. The second floor has an “Innovation Kitchen” which is for demonstration only and is not part of the restaurant. Mr Tom Johnson, the Project Director, explained that the Innovation Kitchen was to help new and upcoming talent to have a residency and build up their skills. The third floor of the venue is for private events that need to be pre-booked with floors four and five for back-office operations. The exit is through the ground floor via Old Brewers Yard. On Shilton Street there were concerns raised about the pavement access, due to this the front is the only fire escape that persons would be directed to.

 

Mr Johnson explained that there is also an on-site brewery across ten hectares, and they aim to use this as a location to brew Guinness, but the layout will also allow for tours and experiences. Although based on one floor, elements do rise throughout the building. A tour would start here with a tasting at the end with a capacity of 15 people per guided tour with soft drinks available for anyone under the legal drinking age. All guided tours will be prebooked.

 

Mr Baylis explained that the gift shop/souvenir shop would be part of the venue and there is a need for a Licence here as they will be selling Guinness but not alcohol wider than this like a traditional off-licence.

 

Mr Ian Watson for Environmental Health Service stated that the terrace area is smaller than others in the surrounding area and the designated smoking area was welcomed as this will keep smokers off the street. He sought clarity that the gift shop would use counter service and have a shutter when the shop is closed. Also, that there will be a shutter over the alcohol beverages.

 

PC Guerra for the Metropolitan Police Service stated that they had made the majority of their representations to the Sub-Committee in their detailed objections but would welcome any questions from members of the Sub-Committee. He asked if only those on a guided tour will have access to the shop and whether the retail store would only be for those on a guided tour. In response Mr Baylis explained that all visitors to the site can purchase from both sites not just those on a tour. He confirmed that there was an agreed challenge 21 condition.

 

Mr David Kaner for the CGCA stated that he would prefer dispersal from Old Brewers Yard to come through out on to Langley Street. Mr Baylis said that this was down to the Planning process, but dispersal has been a long conversation internally for them to minimise the impact on residents. Mr Baylis also reiterated this was a restaurant with people coming and going, not a destination where a large amount of people would be entering or exiting at one single time. Mr Kaner stated that he believed dispersal needed to be addressed by this Sub-Committee and to not wait until Planning, he also asked that the terrace area be closed by 21:00 and not 22:00 as requested. Mr Richard Brown for the Soho Society also asked that the terrace area be closed at 21:00 hours.

 

Mr Kerry Simpkin, the Policy Advisor asked the Project Director if alcohol over 5.5% abv will be available however at this stage they were unable to confirm. The Project Director explained that some Guinness is a seasonal speciality such as a Halloween or Christmas Blend. As these are yet to be determined they could potentially be over 5.5% abv but could also be under or even be alcohol-free as alcohol-free Guinness will also be sold from the premises.

 

Conclusion

 

The Sub-Committee has a duty to consider the application on its individual merits and took into account all the committee papers, submissions made by the Applicant and all other parties, and the oral evidence given by those parties in attendance during the hearing in its determination of the matter.

 

The Sub-Committee were mindful that during the hearing the application for regulated entertainment in the outside area had been withdrawn.

 

The Sub-Committee noted that the Applicant had put forward the surrender of the 01:00 nightclub operation Premises Licence for the basement at 5 Langley Street as the justification for the Sub-Committee to permit an exception to policy to grant this application. In surrendering this Licence, the Applicant believes that this would provide sufficient mitigation to demonstrate that this application would not add to cumulative impact in the area.

 

The Sub-Committee had regard to the fact that the Applicant had agreed to the surrender of the Premises Licence for the basement at 5 Langley Street night club which reduced the number of patrons leaving the premises by 500 people. However, having regard to the mitigation from the applicant relating to cumulative impact and the Council’s policy the Sub-Committee was not satisfied that the surrender of the existing premises licence and the Applicant’s proposals would be sufficient not to add to cumulative impact for the hours applied for. The Sub-Committee accepted the argument that 500 people in the basement of the building, in a nightclub type operation is a very different type of operation than that proposed.

 

The use of the outside space in Brewer’s Yard for 200 people drinking alcohol, including vertical drinkers caused the Sub-Committee serious concerns and it was felt that the operation of the outside area would cause a nuisance to residents in the area and therefore negatively impact the licensing objectives.

 

The Sub-committee noted the Council’s policy and Cumulative Impact Assessment identifies that cumulative impact occurs and increases significantly after 21:00 hours and there was value in the surrender of the licence, but as stated this alone does not overcome the Sub-Committees concern that the hours after 21:00 hours for licensable activities in Brewer’s Yard would add to cumulative impact. Therefore, it was the Sub-Committees decision to grant the sale of alcohol in Brewer’s Yard but to limit the terminal time to 21:00 hours.

The Sub-Committee noted that the Applicant had engaged with the Environmental Health Service and that the Metropolitan Police Service were satisfied that the courtyard is enclosed, and people cannot leave that area easily as it is controlled therefore patrons will not be drinking on the streets.

The Sub-Committee noted the interested parties’ concerns in relation to dispersal and carefully considered their proposed conditions.

 

The Sub-Committee is aware that conditions must be appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives and that they must be tailored to the style of trade. The nature and wording of conditions in any case including this matter, rely on issues such as, but not limited to, the evidence, the quality and experience of the operators, the nature of the location, the style of operation, previous enforcement history and the nature and cumulative effect of other conditions on the Premises Licence.

 

Conditions vary from case to case and indeed, each case is determined on its own merits.

 

The condition proposed by the CGCA, was considered by the Sub-Committee but it did not consider the condition appropriate and proportionate for the following reasons:

(a)  The Applicant had proposed a detailed Operational Management Plan and Delivery and Serving Plan and whilst the interested parties had expressed concern about dispersal into the locale, the Sub-Committee considered the inherent benefits of the location alongside the applicant’s positive steps to manage patrons leaving would ensure that the licensing objectives were promoted;

(b)  By reducing the hours to core hours this would assist with dispersal, and with 500 people no longer leaving the premises in the early hours of the morning and the style of operation, this will assist with gradual dispersal;

(c)   The Applicant will appoint SIA Door Supervisors to control the flow of patrons.

The Sub-Committee noted that the enforcement of the condition proposed by the CGCA is dependent on:

(1)  The continued existence of the Operational Plan and there is no agreed condition compelling the operator to retain such a plan;

(2)  Definition of ‘relevant staff’ and when the training should take place;

(3)  The closure of any entrance will raise issues in relation to emergency escapes;

(4)  Enforcement Officer recognising or measuring the best endeavours of staff.

In light of the above, and the requirements under paragraph 1.16 of the Revised Home Office Guidance issued under section 182 of the Act, the Sub-Committee found that the condition was not precise enough and therefore unenforceable.

 

The Sub-Committee approved the proposed licensable activities and hours for the basement area as this area will only be used for private pre-booked functions or as an event space for circa 100 people. With the surrender of the Langley Premises licence and as this facility will be in the basement, the Sub-Committee was satisfied that an exception to policy had been met and would be appropriate in this case and with the proposed conditions the operation resulting reduction in the capacity and hours for the basement use the operation would not adversely impact the licensing objectives.

 

Having carefully considered the committee papers and the submissions made by all parties, both orally and in writing, the Committee had decided, after taking into account all the individual circumstances of this case and the promotion of the four licensing objectives:

 

1.     To grant permission for Retail Sale of Alcohol (Off Sales) Monday to

Sunday 09:00 to 21:00 hours.

 

Seasonal Variations:  None

 

2.     To grant permission for the Opening Hours for the Premises Monday to

Sunday 09:00 to 21:00 hours.

 

Seasonal Variations:  None

 

3.     That the Licence is subject to any relevant mandatory conditions.

 

4.     That the Licence is subject to the following conditions imposed by the Committee which are considered appropriate and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives.

 

Conditions imposed by the Committee after a hearing with the agreement of

the Applicant

 

6.       The Premises Licence Holder shall at all times comply with policies relating to dispersal, an operational management plan, servicing plan and public realm strategy as shall be amended from time to time. Such copies of these documents shall be made readily available to the Responsible Authorities upon request.

 

7.        The licensable activities authorised by this licence and provided at the premises shall be ancillary to the main function of the premises as a retail/gift/souvenir shop.

 

8.       All sales of alcohol for consumption off the premises shall be in sealed containers only and shall not be consumed on the premises.

 

9.       No super-strength beer, lagers, ciders or spirit mixtures of 5.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) or above shall be sold at the premises, except for alcohol products brewed at 1 Mercer Walk.

 

10.      There shall be no self-selection of alcohol.

 

11.      A Challenge 21 proof of age scheme shall be operated at the premises where the only acceptable forms of identification are recognised photographic identification cards, such as a driving licence, passport or proof of age card with the PASS Hologram.

 

12.      The premises shall install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system as per the minimum requirements of the Westminster Police Licensing Team.  All entry and exit points will be covered enabling frontal identification of every person entering in any light condition.  The CCTV system shall continually record whilst the premises are open for licensable activities and during all times when customers remain on the premises and will include the external area immediately outside the premises entrance.  All recordings shall be stored for a minimum period of 31 days with date and time stamping.  Viewing of recordings shall be made available immediately upon the request of the Police or authorised officer throughout the entire 31-day period.

 

13.      A staff member from the premises who is conversant with the operation of the CCTV system shall be on the premises at all times when the premises are open. This staff member must be able to provide the Police or authorised council officer copies of recent CCTV images or data with the absolute minimum of delay when requested.

 

14.      A Record shall be kept detailing all refused sales of alcohol. The record should include the date and time of the refused sale and the name of the member of staff who refused the sale. The record shall be available for inspection at the premises by the Police or an authorised officer of the City Council at all times whilst the premises are open.

 

15.      An incident log shall be kept at the premises and made available on request to an authorised officer of the City Council or the Police. It must be completed within 24 hours of the incident and will record the following:

(a) all crimes reported to the venue

(b) all ejections of patrons

(c) any complaints received concerning crime and disorder

(d) any incidents of disorder

(e) all seizures of drugs or offensive weapons

(f) any faults in the CCTV system, searching equipment or scanning   equipment

(g) any refusal of the sale of alcohol

(h) any visit by a relevant authority or emergency service.

 

16.      The use of the retail shop as a through route between Neal Street and Brewers Yard ends at 21:00 hours.

 

17.      No licensable activities shall take place until the premises have been assessed as satisfactory by the Environmental Health Consultation Team at which time this condition shall be removed from the Licence by the Licensing Authority.

 

18.      Before the premises open to the public, the plans as deposited will be checked by the Environmental Health Consultation Team to ensure they are an accurate reflection of the premises constructed. Where the premises layout has changed during the course of construction new plans shall be provided to the Environmental Health Consultation Team and the Licensing Authority.

 

19.      Outside of the hours authorised for the sale of alcohol and whilst the premises are open to the public, the Licence Holder shall ensure that all alcohol within the premises (including alcohol behind the counter) is secured in a locked store room or behind locked grilles, locked screens or locked cabinet doors so as to prevent access to the alcohol by both customers and staff.

 

20.      A direct telephone number for the manager at the premises shall be publicly available at all times the premises are open.  This telephone number and/or is to be made available to residents and businesses in the vicinity.

 

This is the Full Decision of the Licensing Sub Committee which takes effect forthwith.

 

The Licensing Sub-Committee

30 June 2022