Westminster Council's Licensing Sub-Committee is facing objections to new premises licence applications for 1 and 2 Floral Court, Westminster, due to concerns about potential public nuisance and public safety. The establishments are intended to operate as restaurants.

The applications, scheduled for consideration at a meeting on Thursday, 9 October 2025, seek permission for the provision of alcohol and late-night refreshment at the Floral Court locations, both situated within the West End Cumulative Impact Area. This area is subject to specific licensing policies aimed at managing the density of licensed premises.

The applicants are requesting the following hours:

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

These hours extend beyond Westminster's core hours for restaurants, which are:

  • Monday to Thursday: 09:00 to 23:30
  • Friday and Saturday: 09:00 to 00:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 to 22:30
  • Sundays immediately prior to a bank holiday: 09:00 to 00:00

Stephanie Appiah-Anderson, representing Environmental Health, raised concerns that the requested hours for alcohol sales and late-night refreshment could increase public nuisance and negatively impact public safety. Jessica Donovan, representing the Licensing Authority, echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential impact on the four licensing objectives: public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and protection of children from harm.

The Licensing Authority noted that the proposed hours fall outside of Westminster's core hours for restaurants. The applicant has proposed Westminster's Model Condition MC66, which stipulates restaurant-style operations, including waiter service and substantial table meals, to align with the RNT1 policy. The Licensing Authority has requested further submissions from the applicant to assess the application against relevant policy considerations, including CIP1, HRS1, and RNT1. For 2 Floral Court, the Licensing Authority is also requesting further submissions regarding pre-booked and bona fide private functions, specifically:

  • Will it be waiter/waitress service during these events?
  • Will persons be required to purchase food or can they purchase an alcoholic drink without food?
  • How many events is the applicant intending to have per week/year?
  • What do these events entail?

A local resident has also objected to the application, requesting that outdoor seating and service be restricted to 10:30 pm to minimise disturbance to neighbours. The resident stated that they have no objection to the facilities continuing to serve food and alcohol inside after 10:30pm provided all doors and windows are closed but strongly feel that the residents' rights to peace and quiet should be respected after this time and noise restricted to a minimum.

The committee, comprised of Councillors Angela Piddock, Judith Southern, and Karen Scarborough, will consider the applications in light of the objections and relevant licensing policies, including CIP1, HRS1, and RNT1. These policies address cumulative impact, core hours, and restaurant-specific requirements within the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy.