The licensing conditions for The Champion pub have been modified following a review prompted by resident complaints about public nuisance and child safety.
A Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to consider the review application, which was initiated by local resident Mr. Charlie Steele. The review process, as outlined in the meeting documents, typically involves the licensing officer presenting the application, followed by submissions from the applicant and the premises licence holder. Resident complaints play a crucial role in initiating such reviews, with Mr. Steele citing concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
Mr. Steele presented evidence detailing incidents of patrons consuming alcohol outside the licensed area, congregating on the public highway, noise emanating from the premises, and discarded glassware posing a risk to children. This evidence included a video clip, additional comments, and photographs illustrating issues such as cellar doors left open with no supervision or safety barriers,
large tables being placed on the pavement without a pavement licence,
loud music being audible outside the pub,
tables and chairs outside on a pavement when the pub does not have a pavement licence,
door propped open with music being heard outside,
patrons drinking from pub-issued glasses outside on the pavement,
and glassware has been placed on the floor – creating significant risk of breakage and therefore harm to children.
During the hearing, Mr. Steele requested additional conditions, including the mandatory presence of an SIA-registered door supervisor on Friday and Saturday evenings, that any outdoor drinking must be seated, and that plastic containers be used for outdoor drinks. He also asked for regular recorded inspections for litter and discarded items around the premises.
Representatives for the pub's licence holder, Mitchells & Butlers Leisure Retail Limited, argued that the requested conditions were disproportionate and would negatively impact the pub's atmosphere and business. They stated that their staff already conducted regular checks for external glassware and litter, and that furniture was promptly removed from the pavement. They further highlighted that the pub catered to a family-friendly clientele and was a valued community asset. The sub-committee did not explicitly state its reasons for deeming Mr. Steele's requested conditions 'disproportionate', but these arguments from the licence holder likely informed their decision.
Previous complaints and incidents also contributed to this review. At the time of writing the report, twelve noise or nuisance complaints had been received in the preceding 24 months. Mr. Steele also stated, I have raised concerns directly with management on multiple occasions.
Mitchells and Butlers had applied for a minor variation in June 2026 after Mr Steele originally applied for a review of the licence on the 12th June. The report also lists one Temporary Event Notice in the previous 12 months.
Following deliberation, the sub-committee decided to modify the existing licence conditions. The specific changes aim to address the concerns raised by Mr. Steele while considering the pub's operational arguments. Full details of the modified conditions are to be circulated within five working days.
The meeting was chaired by Councillor Laura Burns, with Councillor Ned Whitley also serving on the sub-committee. Paul Fellam from the council's licensing team presented the application. The full public reports pack for the meeting can be found here, and the agenda frontsheet is available here.
