Kensington and Chelsea Council has granted a shadow premises licence for a property on Fulham Road, following an application by Sloane Stanley Properties Limited. The licence, for 289-291 Fulham Road, SW10 9PZ, mirrors the existing licence held by Marks and Spencer plc, allowing for the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption and the playing of recorded music.
A shadow licence is a protective measure for landlords, ensuring their licensing position is maintained should a tenant's licence lapse. Sloane Stanley Properties Limited, a long-standing landowner in the area, sought this licence to safeguard against potential issues such as tenant insolvency.
The property at 289-291 Fulham Road previously held a premises licence issued to Marks and Spencer plc, which permitted the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption and the playing of recorded music. The applicant sought a shadow licence mirroring these existing terms.
The application was met with objections from two local residents, Mrs Sarah Holcroft and Mr Peter Turner, who expressed concerns about potential noise from loud music and late-night drinking. They feared this would impact neighbouring residential properties and Elm Park Mews. During the hearing, Mr Jack Spiegler, solicitor for the applicant, explained that the application was not for a new late-night venue but a measure to preserve the licensing position and that alcohol sales were a small part of the previous Marks and Spencer food offering. He assured the committee that any incoming tenant would likely maintain a similar balance, with a predominant focus on food, and that discussions were with entities offering a similar retail profile, not a dedicated alcohol retailer.
During the Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on Thursday, 23 July 2026, Mr Jack Spiegler, solicitor for the applicant, explained that the application was not for a new late-night venue but a procedural safeguard. He emphasised the applicant's reputation as a responsible landlord.
Councillors inquired about the purpose of a shadow licence and the significance of alcohol sales within the overall retail offer. Ms Mattson from the applicant company clarified that alcohol sales constituted a small part of the previous Marks and Spencer food offering and that any future tenant would likely maintain a similar focus on food.
Discussions also took place regarding proposed conditions for the licence. The applicant agreed in principle to a standard shadow term licence (Condition 2), with proposed amendments to clarify its operation in cases of suspension or revocation of the original licence, and in instances of lease forfeiture. The applicant also requested additional wording to include 'or if the lease of the premises has been subject to forfeiture proceedings by the landlord'. The applicant also raised concerns about proposed conditions 3, 4, and 5, relating to Challenge 25
policies and age verification, arguing they might not be relevant in the future if other age verification policies were in place and that they were not part of the current licence. The strongest resistance was noted for condition 4.
A licensing officer raised a noise complaint about deliveries between 6:00 am and 6:45 am. The applicant objected to a condition restricting deliveries between 11 pm and 7 am, arguing the complaint was unsubstantiated. However, it was noted that Sloane Stanley Properties Limited would discuss delivery management with incoming tenants. The applicant stated, 'Sloane Stanley Properties Limited would discuss delivery management with incoming tenants.'
The previous tenant has vacated the property at 289-291 Fulham Road, and Sloane Stanley Properties Limited is in the process of marketing the unit to potential new occupiers. They hope a similar concept will move in, with a predominant focus on food and ancillary alcohol sales. Discussions are ongoing with entities offering a similar retail profile, and it is definitely not going to become a bargain booze store
.
Following the hearing, the committee retired to make its decision. A summary of the determination was to be sent to the parties within five working days, followed by a full decision.
