Licensing News week ending 04.08.2024

If you are affected by any of the proposals within this update and attached pdf file, please comment, and send to the chairman at chair@rsmsj.com.

Please find attached Licensing News for the week ending 4 August 2024.

Attached to the Licensing News document are the Licensing Sub-Committee decisions for the hearing held on Thursday 1 August 2024 for:

• W10 Coffee and Deli, 427-429 Harrow Road W10 4RE (Application Ref: 24/02836/LIPN)

If you wish to view the applications on our public register you will need to click on the reference numbers provided in the document.

Temporary Event Notices can now be viewed on our public register. To view a Temporary Event Notice please use the following link: Simple Search (westminster.gov.uk) To search for a Temporary Event Notice please see the attached guidance.

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Inclusivity in Licensed Venues

We want to make sure that businesses have the information they need to make venues in our city accessible to all. Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses are required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that their premises are accessible to disabled people – this may be through physical changes (whilst being mindful of planning obligations) and operational changes such as through the training of staff and communication with customers.

There have been a number of incidents recently where individuals have been refused entry to premises in the borough because of using a guide dog or having a walking stick. Guide dog and other assistance dog owners have the right to enter licensed premises where the public is permitted with their dog as well as those with mobility aids. Whilst there is no one size fits all approach to making a venue inclusive, every operator will need to make an assessment of its own practices and policies to ensure that they are complying with their legal obligations on accessibility to their venue. The following are common and best practice examples that could be adopted:

• Inclusive and transparent policies. This could include an assistance dog welcome sticker in your window.
• Robust complaints procedures that make it easy for customers who feel they have been discriminated against to raise their concerns and understand how this will be investigated or managed.
• Accessible venue layouts that make venues welcoming.
• Comprehensive training on equality and inclusion for all staff. It is important that any training is regularly refreshed.

Holding ourselves, as well as the venues and businesses we licence, to account to ensure that we continue to promote and offer inclusive experiences for everyone will help to ensure that Westminster remains as one of the most visited and inclusive places in the world.

Yours sincerely,

Premises Licensing Team – Environment & Communities
Westminster City Council, Westminster City Hall, 15th Floor, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP

W: 0207 641 6500 | Direct dial: 0114 551 3845
E: Licensing@westminster.gov.uk
E: rhaq@westminster.gov.uk

Click here to view/ download licensing pdf file >