Residents have voiced strong objections to a proposed cafe bar's licence application for 61 King's Road, citing concerns over public nuisance, crime, disorder, and the protection of children. The application for Chill Since 93
, submitted by Tocqueville Wellington Square Ltd, seeks permission for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshments.
Proposed Operating Model and Hours
Chill Since 93
is proposed as a cafe bar with a capacity of 50 persons. The proposed hours for alcohol sales are until 10:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 11:00 pm Friday to Saturday, and 11:30 pm on Sundays. Proposed opening hours to the public are from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Monday to Thursday, 11:30 pm Friday to Saturday, and 10:00 pm on Sundays. Late-night refreshments are to be provided indoors only.
Resident Concerns
Numerous residents from Wellington Square and surrounding streets have submitted formal representations opposing the plans. Key concerns raised by objectors include the potential for increased noise levels from patrons dispersing late at night, particularly in the quiet residential Wellington Square. Residents fear raised voices, car doors slamming, and taxi activity will disrupt their sleep and enjoyment of their homes. The proximity of the proposed venue to residential properties, coupled with a single-glazed window facing Wellington Square, is seen as exacerbating noise breakout.
Concerns about crime and disorder were also prominent, with fears of anti-social behaviour, littering, public urination, and alcohol-related disorder in Wellington Square. Some residents have already installed cameras in the square to deter such behaviour.
Branding and Underage Drinking Fears
The branding of Chill Since 93
has also drawn criticism, with objectors noting its association with Brandy Melville, a clothing brand aimed at teenagers and pre-teens. This has led to concerns that the venue may attract underage drinkers. To address this, the applicant proposed to operate a 'Challenge 25' age verification policy, requiring staff to ask for proof of age from anyone suspected of being under 25. Acceptable forms of identification include a photo driving licence, passport, a PASS logo card, or military ID. A notice stating that a 'Challenge 25' policy is in operation will be displayed.
Past Compliance Issues
Further objections relate to public safety, highlighting the narrow pavement on King's Road as a potential hazard for dispersing patrons. Residents also pointed to the applicant's connection to another licensed premises, St George Coffee at 126 King's Road, alleging a pattern of non-compliance with licensing conditions. Specifically, it was alleged that St George Coffee now operates as a wine bar in the afternoons, in breach of a condition that its licensable activities be ancillary to its main function as a coffee shop. Furthermore, there was an allegation that a required fire safety push-bar door had not been installed at St George Coffee, despite licensable activities taking place.
Applicant's Proposed Conditions
In response, the applicant's representatives highlighted proposed conditions aimed at promoting licensing objectives. These include:
- Alcohol consumption only by customers seated at tables.
- Substantial food and non-intoxicating beverages to be equally available.
- Premises to close to customers 30 minutes after the end of alcohol sales.
- Operation of a 'Challenge 25' age verification policy.
- CCTV in operation with recordings stored for 31 days.
- A daily incident log to be maintained.
- Notices to be displayed requesting customers to leave quietly.
- No cooking smells to cause nuisance.
- Annual meetings with local councillors and residents' associations.
- Staff training on the Licensing Act 2003.
- An external management and dispersal plan.
- No waste or recyclable material collections between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am.
- Outside tables and chairs to be rendered unusable by 10:00 pm.
- Rear access door to be kept closed except for emergency access.
- No third-party takeaway or delivery service.
Council's Decision-Making Process
The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Thursday, 09 July 2026, to consider the application and the representations made. The committee was to weigh the applicant's case against the concerns raised by residents and make a decision based on the evidence presented and in accordance with licensing objectives. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee would consider all representations and evidence presented. Decisions regarding the grant of a licence and the imposition of conditions would be made based on this evidence and in accordance with licensing objectives. The applicant proposed an external management and dispersal plan, and staff training in its implementation, which would be made available for inspection by the Police or authorised Council officer. The committee will weigh the applicant's case against residents' concerns by considering all representations and evidence presented. Their decision will be made in accordance with the licensing objectives (prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm), the council's Statement of Licensing Policy Agenda frontsheet 09th-Jul-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf, and the Secretary of State's Guidance Public reports pack 09th-Jul-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf. The committee aims to promote growth and deliver economic benefits while balancing the applicant's desire to operate with residents' concerns.
