A West London wine bar that has received more than 70 noise complaints from a single resident has been granted permission to show World Cup games into the early morning. L’Ami Jac on Shepherd’s Bush Road, which normally closes at 10pm, has been given the green light to open until 1am from June 25 until July 1.
Temporary extension approved
The extension is not permanent, with the bar reverting to its original licence once the temporary event notice (TEN) expires. In approving the TEN, Hammersmith and Fulham Council members noted the applicant’s assurance that no alcohol will be served after 11.30pm. L’Ami Jac operates across two premises, 94 and 96 Shepherd’s Bush Road. The sites used to operate separately, meaning 94, the address for which the application was submitted, has an earlier closing time than 96.
Noise complaints background
A single objection was received during consultation for the proposed TEN, from Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Noise and Nuisance team. John Garcia, a Noise and Nuisance Investigator, outlined his concerns about the impact on public nuisance and crime and disorder. He wrote there is a history of noise complaints with the premises, including from a resident living above. Mr Garcia added the consecutive days requested would “significantly” increase the cumulative noise nuisance, and that the application represents a substantial extension beyond its existing hours.
He said: “Previous officer attendance at the premises in response to noise complaints identified concerns, including the sale of alcohol beyond permitted hours and customers congregating and consuming alcohol outside the premises, directly beneath a complainant’s window.”
Complaints from one individual
At the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee meeting this week, Mr Garcia told members 73 noise complaints had been received from two neighbours, reflecting a “persistent and ongoing disturbance”. It, however, emerged that 72 of these are from a single individual, who applicant Jonathan Koo, Manager at L’Ami Jac, said has “consistently been reporting us”. On the TEN application, he said the intention is to provide some flexibility around the World Cup games, with afternoon and evening matches to be the focus. Mr Koo added the later 11pm kick-offs may be shown depending on how many people are in the bar.
“We don’t know when we’re going to be busy,” he said. “When it gets busy we have to maximise our sales.” Cllr Mercy Umeh, Chair of the Sub-Committee, asked Mr Garcia about the complaints from the resident upstairs. Mr Garcia said the same issues arose repeatedly, such as people talking outside the premises, and that the team used to treat all complaints with a visit. However, he said there were occasions when no noise could be heard, and so now visits are only carried out when deemed necessary.
Bar manager calls complaints harassment
On the repeated complaints, Mr Koo said: “This is harassment. Regarding the noise and the issue, [the resident] is rarely at home, and he’s been doing this for multiple occasions. He has even banged on the floor when bits of the ceiling have come down onto my customer’s head.” Mr Koo also took aim at Mr Garcia, telling him: “You are all about him. One neighbour.”
Council approval
Members approved the TEN, noting the ending of alcohol sales by 11.30pm, as suggested by Mr Koo during the meeting, was sufficient to promote the licensing objectives.
