'Hooligans' pub' in Fulham refused later licence

A Fulham pub has had an application for a later licence refused because the council claims it is favoured by football hooligans and has served alcohol to children.

The SW6 Bar and Restaurant, at 619 Fulham Road, wanted to increase its opening hours to 1am seven days a week and be allowed to serve drink to punters whether they were eating or not.

Refusing the application Cllr Alex Karmel, Chairman of the Hammersmith and Fulham Licensing Committee, said: "In the light of the very strong evidence of persistent breaches of the current license provisions over a period of time we have decided not to grant the application for variation requested."

The sub-committee, which met yesterday (Thursday 15 November) heard evidence of repeated breaches of the current license over a long period of time.

The rule-breaking by the bar, formerly know as the Steak House and Tapas Bar, included: the sale of alcohol to a minor; sale of alcohol without provision of food and the assault of a police officer by a customer.

The sub-committee saw two petitions and more than 50 objections from local residents and Police to the bar's application.

Mr Ladenburg, counsel for the Metropolitan Police, said, "The only evidence of the management of these premises, under the current ownership, is mismanagement. They have persistently been operating outside the scope of their licence."

The applicants acknowledged that mistakes were made but claimed that new procedures were now in place and that their application should be granted.

Councillor Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said, "I was pleased to see this application turned down in its entirety. It beggars belief that any premise which has demonstrated such flagrant disregard for the current conditions on their licence would apply to increase the hours they are allowed to open and the range of activities allowed."

November 30, 2007