A bid to extend the opening hours of a popular Earl's Court eatery until 3 am has sparked division among residents and local councillors, with concerns raised about potential increases in noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour.
The decision on the application is expected within five working days, based on promoting the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.
Smoke and Pepper, located at 166 Earl's Court Road, applied to Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee to vary its premises licence. The application sought to extend late-night refreshment hours and the premises' opening times to 3 am seven days a week, removing existing conditions that limit late-night refreshment to takeaways for delivery drivers only and prohibit its supply to the public between 11 pm and 5 am.
The applicant, represented by Shahzaib Ahmed, argued that the extension was necessary to meet customer demand and ensure the business's profitability. They proposed additional conditions, including the presence of a manager after 11 pm, a maximum of 20 customers inside after that time (reduced from an initial proposal of 30), and a written dispersal policy. The applicant also highlighted that they do not serve alcohol and that their delivery drivers exclusively use Uber Eats, parking in designated loading bays.
However, the application was met with nine objections from local residents and councillors, including Councillor Linda Wade and Councillor James Ortiz, as well as the Earl's Court Society. Objectors voiced significant concerns about the potential for increased public nuisance, crime, and disorder. Specific fears include exacerbating existing issues with noise, litter, and disturbances caused by congregating delivery riders. Residents also worry about late-night revellers contributing to noise and litter. Concerns were raised about major dealers
and drug distribution
occurring in the vicinity of late-night fast food outlets.
During the hearing, the committee discussed various proposed conditions. The applicant agreed to implement a written dispersal policy to ensure customers leave the area quickly and quietly. This policy will include management of customers external to the premises, and staff will be trained on it. The applicant also agreed to maintain CCTV and establish a clean-up zone. They also committed to joining the Earl's Court Late Night Cafe Licence Group, a collective of local food outlets working with the council and police on community issues such as waste management and delivery driver behaviour. This group holds meetings every two to three months with environmental health, the SEC team, and the police.
Legal officer Emma Rowland facilitated discussions on draft conditions, including amendments to refuse collection times and a new condition requiring external doors and windows to be kept closed after 11 pm to mitigate noise. The applicant also agreed to reduce the indoor customer capacity after 11 pm from 30 to 20.
Objectors stressed the challenges of the area, citing existing issues with anti-social behaviour and drug dealing. They argued that the proposed extension would exacerbate these problems, including loud talking, playing music or videos at high volume, littering, public urination, and intimidation. They pointed to existing issues with delivery riders congregating in nearby residential streets such as Trebovir Road and Nevern Place, causing disturbances and safety concerns.
The committee retired to make a decision, which is expected to be communicated within five working days. Further details on the licensing sub-committee meeting can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.
