Minutes:
WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE NO.1 (“The Committee”)
Wednesday 20th July 2022
Membership: Councillor Aziz Toki (Chairman), Councillor Sargent
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have applied for an expedited review hearing of W Hotel, Leicester Square, 10 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QF
INTERIM STEPS DECISION
Having carefully considered the application for an expedited review
and the evidence presented by the Police and the Premises Licence
Holder, both verbally and in writing, the Committee has concluded
that the Premises are associated with serious crime and serious
disorder and it is necessary and
proportionate to take the following steps: -
To attach the additional conditions to the premises licence:
A. The sale of alcohol shall be restricted to hotel residents and up to 4 bona fide guests of each resident.
B. Remove Dario Mazzoli as the DPS
In view of the seriousness of this case, it is necessary and proportionate for all the Interim Steps and for this Interim Decision to take immediate effect.
Reasons: -
The Licensing Authority having received a valid application for an
expedited review under Section 53 A-C of the Licensing Act 2003,
from the MPS on 18th July 2022.
This is a five star hotel with
associated restaurant, meeting rooms, function rooms and bar
areas.
A fight broke out on 10th of July 2022 the bar area of the W Hotel, involving approximately 30/40 customers and this necessitated the Police to be called to break up the fight.
The Committee accepted the evidence presented by the Police that customers inside the Premises were arming themselves with belts and bottles and it appeared that the security were completely overwhelmed and were unable to stop the fight or disperse patrons.
The officers came under attack and used Pava spray and used their batons on the assailants but due to the severity of the violence and after coming under sustained attack, the initial officers made a tactical withdrawal and await further resources to deal with the disorder.
Supporting officers attended and contained the incident.
Security at the premises and witnesses confirmed there was drug use in the toilets, and customers attended wearing ankle tags. The manager was informed and advised that the event should not go ahead.
The number of injuries amounting to GBH and requiring hospitalisation was significant and this is an active investigation with multiple suspects still outstanding.
The event was conducted by an external promotor and had been booked for 200 ticket holders.
Two members of the premises door staff are under investigation for assaults which amounts to GBH. The DPS was present at the premises until 20.30, when he left the night manager and bar manager in charge of the event.
In April 2022 the premises held a similar event resulting in GBH injuries. The police engaged and advised of the risks of holding externally promoted events but felt that the advice was ignored.
The Committee concluded that the incident occurred at a private hire event and it would undermine the purpose of this hearing if private pre-booked events conducted by external promotors were able to take place.
Interim steps have been agreed between representatives for the Metropolitan Police Services and the PLH, namely:
In summary, the Committee is satisfied that the Premises are associated with serious crime and serious disorder and it is necessary and proportionate for the interim steps outlined to be taken and for this Decision to have immediate effect in order to prevent serious crime and disorder occurring and to promote the licensing objectives.
If the Premises Licence Holder is unhappy with the decision, he is
entitled to submit a representation against the interim step taken
by the Committee. If a representation
is received the Licensing Authority will convene a further interim
hearing within 48 hours of receipt of the
representation. The premises
licence holder and chief officer of Police will receive advance
notice of this hearing.
The full review hearing will take place within 28 days of receipt of the Police application to review the licence. Details of this hearing will be provided in due course by the Licensing Authority.
Informative:
The Committee were concerned that:
1)
The PLHs, W Leicester Square Limited had
insufficient control
over the booking and management of
promoted events.
2) That there was no radio signal available for the emergency service on the first floor.
The Committee hopes that all injured parties are fully recovered.
The Licensing Sub-Committee
20 July 2022