Restaurant licence refused following residents complaints
Sleepless nights will be a thing of the past for residents living above Sodere restaurant in Goldhawk Road after magistrates upheld the council's refusal to grant a public entertainment licence.
The restaurant had applied to renew their existing provisional licence in January but council officers turned them down following complaints from residents. On June 21 West London Magistrates Court dismissed the owners' appeal against the refused licence. They agreed with officers that the owner, Mr D Clarke, did not seem to understand the consequences of the loud music coming from his premises beyond licensed hours, and had failed to act to reduce it .
On one occasion in 2004 an abatement notice had been served on the restaurant because of the noise and disturbance it was creating, but despite this and requests from neighbours, the owner continued to play loud music and allow dancing until the early hours.
Councillor Michael Cartwright, Cabinet Member for Environment said:
"Our officers received a number of complaints from unhappy residents who were literally losing sleep every weekend due to the loud music coming from this restaurant. Whilst the council is keen to encourage and support small businesses, we cannot ignore the needs of the people who live nearby. There is no reason why restaurants and bars cannot exist side by side with residents provided owners ensure they consider those around them and respect the conditions of their licence. If they fail to do this the council will not hesitate to take the firmest action."
Mr Clarke was ordered to pay Hammersmith and Fulham Council costs of £2262.50.
July 3, 2005
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