Fulham Cafe Wins Approval for Extended Late-Night Hours Amid Resident Concerns
A Fulham café has successfully secured a new operating license allowing extended late-night hours, despite significant opposition from local residents who expressed concerns about potential disorder and alleged existing violations. Vanston Café, located at the bottom of North End Road near Fulham Broadway station, can now remain open until midnight on most weekdays and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Resident Objections and Licensing Committee Decision
Nearly 20 residents and local groups formally objected to the application, with several voicing their fears directly at a Hammersmith and Fulham Council Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on March 11. The objections centered on worries that the extended hours would exacerbate noise, antisocial behavior, and traffic issues in what they described as a densely populated residential area already struggling with disturbances from nearby establishments.
One objector stated, "This site is on the edge of a residential and conservation area already plagued by antisocial behavior linked to nearby food and drink establishments. Fulham Broadway is more suitable for these types of later night venues." Concerns were also raised about noise from customers and delivery riders, potential drug dealing, and increased traffic on residential streets.
Allegations of Existing License Violations
Residents presented documents suggesting that conditions of the café's existing license were already being breached. These allegations included operating the roof terrace beyond permitted hours and engaging in illegal shisha activity. The existing license, held by the landlord rather than the current operator, allowed opening until 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10:30pm on Sunday, but it was noted during the meeting that the café had been operating without formally using this license, restricting alcohol sales and hot food service after 11pm.
Charlotte Dexter, a resident speaking on behalf of objectors, emphasized, "We have seen a lot of activity late at night on the roof terrace, and we've made official complaints because it's supposed to be closed at 10pm. I cannot explain how super concerned we are about what seems to be a private club in our densely populated area."
Applicant's Defense and Committee's Rationale
The applicant, Mohamed Abdelghany Gabr ElMansoury, was represented at the meeting by his brother, Mohammad Rehman, who disputed many of the residents' claims. Rehman argued that the premises was not operating a shisha lounge, was not open beyond 10pm, and had conducted a survey showing local satisfaction. He maintained that the café had a "very good reputation" and that it would be unfair to single it out.
Council Licensing Officer Neil Gardiner clarified that the existing license was in the process of being transferred to the applicant, though residents described the arrangement as confusing. Despite objections, the sub-committee voted to grant the new license with the requested hours, imposing conditions including the closure of the first-floor terrace at 10pm.
Resident Reaction and Broader Implications
Following the decision, residents expressed shock and disappointment. Charlotte Dexter told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, "To grant hours until 1am in one of the most densely populated residential pockets in the borough, and the most sleep-deprived borough in London, feels impossible to reconcile with the council's stated priorities on safety and noise reduction."
John Skoulding, another resident representing locals, had warned that the applicant might not be starting from the right place given the alleged compliance issues. The approval sets a potential precedent for similar establishments in the area, raising questions about how licensing decisions balance business interests with community welfare in urban residential zones.
