Maison Close Mayfair, a nightclub located in the heart of London's affluent Mayfair district, has submitted an application to Westminster City Council seeking permission to play live music until 6am. The venue, which regularly hosts international DJs during its weekend club nights, aims to extend its operating hours from midday to 6am seven days a week.
Proposed Licensing Conditions
Under the proposed licence, the club would also implement restrictions on admissions after 3am, limiting entry to private members and their bona fide guests. While live or recorded music could continue until 6am, alcohol sales would cease one hour earlier, at 5am. Additional conditions include the presence of at least two Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered door supervisors from 10pm until closing, with a minimum of one SIA supervisor stationed at the entrance. The club would also be required to maintain a membership list and enforce a 48-hour waiting period between membership application and admission to the private club.
Police Objection
The Metropolitan Police Service has formally opposed the application. PC Reaz Guerra, representing the police as a Responsible Authority, stated that granting the licence would undermine the Licensing Objectives. He noted that the premises are situated within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and that the requested hours exceed Westminster’s Core Hours Policy. The police believe that such extended hours could lead to increased crime and disorder, as well as public nuisance.
Environmental Health officers have also raised concerns, arguing that the application could result in a rise in public nuisance and negatively impact public safety. They highlighted potential noise disturbances and the strain on local resources during late-night hours.
Decision Pending
The final decision rests with Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee, which is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 28. The committee will weigh the club's proposals against the objections from police and environmental health before reaching a verdict. This case highlights the ongoing tension between London's vibrant nightlife scene and the regulatory framework designed to balance entertainment with community wellbeing.
