Statement of Licensing Policy (2008) WCC - Westminster City Council

Flyposting is a public nuisance. Entertainment venues are one of the main types ofbusiness that resort to this type of advertising. Touting for business on the street isgenerally a nuisance and has been prevented by conditions on premises licencesthat have caused problems. The deployment of placard holders can similarly create anuisance but not particularly associated with licensed premises. It can be controlledin designated areas under the London Local Authorities Act 2007 if its provisions areadopted.2.2.15 In those parts of the city characterised by round-the-clock activity, the council operatesa 24-hour cleansing service. However, at the busiest times and in the busiest places itis sometimes impossible to maintain streets to a high standard of cleanliness. In suchlocations, a “window of opportunity” is needed between about 02:30 and 05:00 whenthe streets are suffi ciently empty to sweep them effectively and to use mechanicalequipment, in order to restore a high standard of cleanliness before the start of thenext working day.Conditions2.2.16 Annex D part 4 of the revised Guidance sets out a pool of conditions that relate to theprevention of public nuisance. Hours of opening and hours for each licensable activitymust be included in Operating Schedules. Conditions will be attached on the hourswhen premises are permitted to be open to the public or to members and their guestsfor the prevention of public nuisance. Conditions could be necessary to limit the timeswhen certain licensable activities take place, although the premises may be open tothe public at such times. For example, there may be reason to have a condition on thehour that music ceases to be played in a bar or restaurant, or when alcohol is servedat a music venue, which is prior to the end of other licensable activities. Conditionsmay also be attached referring to the parts of premises that might be used for certainlicensable activities at certain times. Stricter conditions will be expected in areas ofdenser residential accommodation2.2.17 Conditions will be attached to premises licences where appropriate. These mayinclude conditions on: maximum noise levels over particular time periods, theinstallation of acoustic lobbies; provision of signs, publicity and verbal advice topatrons to leave quietly and by certain routes; controlling nuisance from light pollution;taking food or drink outside the premises; fl yposting; distribution of leafl ets; litter andcleaning outside of the frontage and in the vicinity of the premises. (See paragraph3.1.7 of this document on the council’s pool of model conditions).31