Hammersmith and Fulham Council refuses off-licence bid

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has refused a licence for a new off-licence at 114 Uxbridge Road, citing concerns that it would worsen existing street drinking and anti-social behaviour in the Shepherd's Bush area. The decision was made by the council's Licensing Sub-Committee following a significant number of objections.

Overwhelming Opposition to New Premises

The application for the premises, located at the corner of Uxbridge Road and Caxton Road, received 93 objections during the public consultation period. These objections came from local residents, a residents' association, and responsible authorities, including the Metropolitan Police. The proposed hours for alcohol sales were from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday.

PC Charlotte Bennett of the Met Police's licensing team stated that approving the application would lead to a further premises selling alcohol in an area already experiencing significant issues associated with alcohol consumption and street drinking. She described street drinking as a 'persistent and highly visible problem' and feared a new off-licence would exacerbate it. PC Samuel Locking, a local ward officer, supported these concerns, highlighting the duty to safeguard vulnerable individuals suffering from alcohol addiction.

Impact on Community Safety

Residents and community groups expressed deep concerns about the potential impact on community safety. Carol Fregiste-Thomas, Community Safety Officer (North) at the council, noted that the premises had never been an off-licence before and would attract people who would likely drink in the vicinity. Catherine Tomaselli, an objecting resident, described regularly having to deal with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, including people congregating and drinking outside homes. Lucy Goodman, from the Caxton Village Tenants and Residents Association (CVTRA), emphasised that the effects of street drinking fundamentally affect residents' quality of life and their sense of safety.

The location of the proposed off-licence was also a point of contention. Ms Goodman highlighted its proximity to a pedestrian crossing and its easy access to Shepherd's Bush Green, a known area where people gather. The CVTRA, supported by 84 residents, also raised concerns about the existing concentration of licensed premises in the area.

Decision and Next Steps

Despite the applicant's agent proposing a reduction in opening hours to 9pm and the implementation of mitigations such as CCTV posters, the Licensing Sub-Committee voted to refuse the application. Adrian Overton, Licensing Team Manager at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, noted that even with reduced hours, the area remains saturated with off-licences. The decision means the former beauty salon will not be able to operate as an alcohol-selling premises.