Westminster Council to decide on Leicester Square salon licence
Inspectors found a dirty waxing room and trip hazards at The Nail Garden.
Westminster City Council is expected to rule on the licence renewal for The Nail Garden's Leicester Square branch within five working days. The decision follows an inspection that uncovered a 'dirty' waxing room, electrical trip hazards, and a failure to provide evidence of staff training.
Inspection Findings
During a visit on June 1 to the Leicester Square branch, inspectors noted electrical cable trip hazards and two unbracketed fire extinguishers without inspection dates. A male trainee was also present without training certificates, though the owner stated he was only performing minor tasks. A subsequent inspection on July 14 at the salon's Soho location revealed a 'dirty' waxing room and further fire safety concerns. Two therapists were reported to have left the premises when inspectors arrived.
Francis Keegan, representing the licensing authority, recommended that the council refuse the licence renewal for the Leicester Square branch. He told a Westminster City Council licensing sub-committee meeting on Thursday, September 24, that the owner had not taken her responsibilities seriously. Mr Keegan also indicated that the licensing authority would oppose the Soho branch's licence renewal in February 2027 unless significant changes were made.
Owner's Response and Next Steps
Concerns regarding the Leicester Square site were initially raised in January during an application to renew its premises licence. At that time, the council's officers opposed the renewal due to alleged mismanagement and unverified staff identities. The licence was renewed for six months to allow the venue to demonstrate compliance. The owner has since submitted a fire safety assessment, an evacuation plan, and an Electrical Appliance Testing certificate. She has also formally delegated duties to a deputy manager.
A decision on the licence renewal for the Leicester Square site is anticipated within five working days of the hearing.
Questions this report answers
01What issues were found at The Nail Garden?
Inspectors found a 'dirty' waxing room, trip hazards, and unbracketed fire extinguishers without inspection dates. There were also concerns about staff training and the identity verification of employees.
02What has the owner done in response to the findings?
The owner has submitted a professional fire safety assessment, an evacuation plan, and an Electrical Appliance Testing certificate. She has also formally delegated duties to a deputy manager.
03When will a decision be made on the Leicester Square licence?
A decision on the licence renewal for The Nail Garden's Leicester Square branch is expected to be made within five working days of the licensing sub-committee hearing.
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