Residents in Soho have voiced fears over a proposed change to the licence of a popular venue, which they believe could lead to increased noise and disturbance.
Soho Social, located at 9 Berwick Street, applied for a time-limited licence to operate as a restaurant and lounge from February 2026 to February 2027. The application sought to amend a condition that currently requires alcohol to be sold only to patrons bona fide taking substantial table meals
to one where a substantial table meal must be available at all times the venue is supplying alcohol.
Objectors, including the Metropolitan Police, Environmental Health, the Licensing Authority, and residents' associations, argued that this change would effectively allow the venue to operate as a bar, contrary to the City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy. Specifically, the application was perceived to contravene Policy CIP1 and Policy PB1 within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), which presume against the granting of new pubs and bars in the area to prevent further saturation and adverse impacts.
Concerns were raised about potential increases in noise, public nuisance, crime, and disorder, as well as the impact on residents' quality of life. The Soho Society also submitted an objection, highlighting the saturation of licensed premises in Soho and the potential for this application to set a precedent.
During a licensing sub-committee meeting on February 5, 2026, the applicant's representative argued that the proposed change would allow the venue to cater to customers seeking a drink before or after a meal, rather than turning them away. They also highlighted that the application was for a limited period to demonstrate that it would not add to the cumulative impact of the area.
However, councillors expressed significant concerns about past breaches of licence conditions by the venue. The Metropolitan Police Service noted several breaches, including operating as a bar with little or no food being served, a lack of an incident log, and no dispersal policy. A Section 19 closure notice was issued as a result. Further breaches occurred after staff training, with staff unable to operate CCTV and advising customers to order the smallest menu item to drink without ordering food. Receipts also showed purchases of drinks rather than substantial meals. The police stated that they had considered a licence review due to these breaches.
The new manager, Gita Barisha, who took over in December 2025, assured the committee that measures had been put in place to ensure compliance. These include staff training, reviewing the menu to ensure all items are substantial meals, engaging an ex-licensing police officer for monthly audits, and ensuring alcohol is not served without food from 9 pm onwards. She stated that there had been no breaches since she took over.
Despite the applicant's assurances and proposed amendments, including a reduction in alcohol sales end times to 9pm (from 11pm), objectors maintained their concerns. The proposed opening hours would also cease at 9pm. The licensing authority stated that the applicant had not yet provided a genuine exception to department policy, and the police maintained their objection due to past breaches and a lack of confidence in the venue's management.
The proposed conditions for Soho Social state that the number of persons permitted in the premises at any one time (excluding staff) shall not exceed 40 persons. The current capacity was not explicitly stated in the meeting information.
Ultimately, the applicant's representative requested to withdraw the application during the hearing, stating they would return when a longer period of compliance could be established. The committee accepted the withdrawal.