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

Introduction/definitions2.5.9 These policies apply to those late night refreshment premises that supply hot foodor hot drink for consumption off the premises (take-away). Late night refreshmentpremises are defi ned in the Glossary. The Stress Area boundaries are shown on themaps at Appendix 15.Premises supplying hot take-away food and drink outsidethe Stress AreasPolicy TAW1Applications will only be granted if it can be demonstrated that the proposal meetsrelevant criteria in Policies CD1, PS1, PN1 and CH1.Premises supplying hot take-away food and drink insidethe Stress AreasPolicy TAW2It is the Licensing Authority’s policy to refuse applications in the Stress Areas otherthan applications to vary hours within the Core Hours under Policy HRS1.Reasons for Policies TAW1 & TAW22.5.10 Premises which supply hot food and hot drink for consumption off the premises(take-aways) which are open after 23.00 can attract large groups of customers, manyof whom have been consuming alcohol in pubs, bars, or night clubs sometimessome distance away. The congregation of people around these premises leads toadditional noise and disturbance. The Metropolitan Police have raised concerns aboutthe level of crime and disorder that happens outside take-away food premises lateat night due to alcohol fuelled behaviour, and the opportunities for crime afforded bythe congregation of people. The consumption of food outside premises can result infood waste and litter on pavements, to an extent that amounts to a public nuisance.Crowding the pavement and the dropping of litter late at night make effective cleaningimpossible at that time.2.5.11 These issues are of particular concern in the Stress Areas where there are highconcentrations of take-aways in addition to other licensed premises. On this basisthe Licensing Authority considers that the grant of variations or new licences forpremises offering take-away hot food or hot drink in the Stress Areas should belimited to exceptional circumstances. See paragraphs 2.4.3 -2.4.6 on exceptionalcircumstances.52