Agenda and minutes

To report any changes to the membership.

1.1       There were no changes to Membership.

To receive declarations by Members and Officers of the existence and nature of any pecuniary interests or any other significant interest in matters on this agenda.

2.1       There were no declarations of interest.

WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE NO.5 (“Committee”)

Licensing Review Decision

Friday 15 October 2021

Membership:           Councillor Murad Gassanly (Chairman), Councillor Jim Glen, Councillor Aicha Less

Proud Embankment, 8 Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2AB (“Premises”)

The Metropolitan Police Service (Police) submitted an application for a Summary Review of the above Premises pursuant to Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003 (the “Act”) on 16 September 2021 as the Police considered the Premises are associated with serious crime and serious disorder. The Premises Licence Holder (PLH) of the Premises is Proud West End Limited

The Interim Steps Hearing took place on 21 September 2021, when the Committee imposed the Interim Steps specified in the Schedule attached to this Decision.  The purpose of today’s hearing was to review the Interim Steps taken and to determine the full review by deciding whether it was appropriate and proportionate to take any steps to promote the licensing objectives.

Persons attending the hearing:

For the Police:       Mr James Rankin (Counsel)
                                PC Adam Deweltz

                                PC Reaz Guerra

For the Premises Licence Holder (PLH):

                                Mr Philip Kolvin QC (Counsel)

                                Mr Alex Proud, the PLH and the Designated Premises Supervisor

                                James Daglish and Niall McCann of Keystone Law

For  Licensing Authority:

                                Karyn Abbott – Licensing Officer

                                Glyn Franks – City Inspector

For Castlebrooke Investments Limited (Castlebrooke):
                                Gary Grant (Counsel)

                                Jack Spiegler – Thomas and Thomas

                                Simon Gibbs and Liam Burns of Castlebrooke

Other Officers present:
                                The Presenting Officer       – Jessica Donovan;
                                The Legal Adviser              – Heidi Titcombe;
                                The Committee Officer       – Kisi Smith-Charlemagne

Activities and Hours

The Premises is a venue which provides cabaret and other regulated entertainment, including music and dancing.

The permitted hours for licensable activities are as stated in the committee report.

The opening hours are       Sunday to Thursday 09:00 to 04:00
                                           Friday and Saturday 09:00 to 05:00

Prior to the Interim Steps hearing the Premises was permitted extended opening hours on New Year’s Eve and when British Summer Time changes. 

REVIEW DECISION

In reaching its decision the Committee has had regard to the relevant legislation, the Secretary of State’s Guidance (“Guidance”) particularly in relation to reviews and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy (“SLP”).

Having carefully considered the review application, the representations and submissions made by all the Parties involved, both verbally and in writing, the Committee has decided that in relation to its review of the Interim Steps that it is appropriate, necessary and proportionate to take the following steps: -

Review of the Interim Steps Decision

1.          Not to continue to reduce the hours to Core Hours for the licensable activities or the opening hours.

2.          To modify paragraph 2 of the Interim Steps Decision[1] by stating that no private Events booked by individuals shall be permitted to take place at the Premises save that the pre-booked “all-star” events specified in the Letter from Keystone Law dated 20 September 2021 shall be permitted to take place provided such licensable activities are ancillary to a substantial table meal and a cabaret performance on Wednesday, Thursday,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.