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LICENCES FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT
During the year, 10 copies of applications for music and dancing
licences from the Greater London Council were referred to this department
for reports of any actual complaints on the grounds of noise nuisance
received from local residents. Complaints were reported in respect of
three of the premises.
GREATER LONDON COUNCIL (GENERAL POWERS) ACT 1968
Night Cafes
The Borough Council adopted the provisions of Part VIII of the
above Act and fixed the appointed day as 2nd June, 1969 and from that
date no premises in the Borough may be used as a night cafe without
being registered with the Council under the Act. The registration must
be renewed every year.
The term "night cafe" means any premises kept open for refreshment
at any time between the hours of ll.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. whether for
use by the public or by a club, organisation or body, except that public
houses, theatres, cinemas, hotels, guest houses, specified licensed
premises or used for charitable purposes or as a sports club or staff
canteen are excluded from this definition.
Any person whose night cafe operates without being registered
is liable to a fine of up to £200 or three months' imprisonment or
both.
Any person applying for registration of premises or for renewal
of registration as a night cafe must pay to the Council a fee of £1 and
give public notice in the prescribed manner drawing attention to the
right of members of the public to object to the registration.
Thirty-three applications for registration were received, but
two of these were from premises not eligible for registration. Six
applications were still under consideration at the end of the year.
Appeals were made to the Courts in respect of two applications
refused last year. One was withdrawn and the remaining appeal was
dismissed with twenty pounds costs being awarded to the Council.
Kensington Police reported one unregistered restaurant being
used as a night cafe after 11.00 p.m. and the Notting Hill Police
reported one other. The Council prosecuted the persons concerned,
one case was dismissed and the other case was proven and fines
amounting to £255 were imposed.
LATE NIGHT REFRESHMENT HOUSES ACT 1969
A refreshment house licence is required for any shop or other
premises not licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, but which
is kept open for public refreshment or resort at any time between
10.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. except premises where the provisions of the
Greater London Council (General Powers) Act, 1968 - Part VIII apply.
A licence is needed in respect of refreshment rooms which form part
of the premises used for public entertainment and resort, for example,
Cinemas, Skating Rinks, etc., (if kept open for public refreshment
during the hours mentioned). Licences commence on 1st April and
expire one year later.
Forty-two late night refreshment house licences were issued by
this department during the year.