Olympia alcohol licence approved despite resident objections

Hammersmith and Fulham Council's sub-committee has approved a licence for Olympia Property Holding Limited to sell alcohol from an outdoor area known as The Square, located on Emberton Walk. The licence permits alcohol sales between 10am and 9pm seven days a week. This decision follows a period of consultation during which 17 objections were lodged by local residents and The Street Hub, a residents' group.

Concerns over public safety and disorder

Objectors expressed fears that the proposed licence could lead to increased drunken disorder and anti-social behaviour in what they described as a "dispersal corridor" rather than a dedicated venue. Charlotte Hume, representing The Street Hub, told the Licensing Sub-Committee that placing alcohol sales in the middle of a managed exit route risked obstruction and conflict with the primary aim of the space, particularly during busy periods. The Street Hub's representation claimed the application risked transforming a pedestrianised passageway into a licensed drinking area within a mixed residential, educational, and commercial neighbourhood.

In response, a representative for Olympia stated that the intention was not to facilitate continuous activity every day. They explained that the licence sought greater operational flexibility for occasional events, cultural programming, community activities, and seasonal activations as the Olympia estate evolves. The Met Police confirmed to the council's licensing team that they did not object to the proposal.

Licence conditions and future development

The approved licence includes a condition that any alcohol sold for off-premises consumption must be in a sealed container. Matthew Phipps, a barrister representing the applicant, argued that the feared impacts were overstated and that the location was appropriate for the proposed activities. He also noted that no ward councillors had formally objected to the application.

The Olympia redevelopment is being delivered in phases. Venues including the British Airways ARC, Hyatt Regency London Olympia, and several restaurants and bars on Emberton Walk are already open. Further openings, including Juno, described as the UK's largest Italian restaurant, are scheduled for October, with the transformation of the site expected to continue through 2027, culminating in the opening of the British Airways Theatre.