On August 26, england/greenwich/”>Greenwich Council’s Licensing Review Sub-Committee assessed the premises licence for Hayatt Lounge, a shisha lounge and late-night venue situated at 114 to 126 Westmoor Street, Charlton. The decision comes as Charlton Shisha Lounge faces reduced hours amid crime concerns. The Metropolitan Police recommended a reduction in Hayatt’s operating hours to a 1.30am closing time, citing a series of criminal incidents. Hayatt argued that this change would threaten the viability of their business.
Police Concerns Over Safety
During the review, Hayatt contended that the police should enhance their response to ensure the safety of both staff and patrons. Despite reduced hours, the Charlton Shisha Lounge continues facing crime concerns, which prompted some operational compromises. In a compromise, the committee adjusted Hayatt’s closing times to 3am from Monday to Wednesday and 4am from Thursday to Sunday, with licensable activities ending half an hour earlier.
Recent Criminal Incidents
David Graham, legal representative for the Metropolitan Police, revealed that there had been 13 serious crime incidents near Hayatt since February 2024. These included stabbings, armed robberies, and large brawls involving dozens of individuals. The most recent incident occurred on July 27, when a security staff member was assaulted with a canister of nitrous oxide, resulting in serious injuries as Charlton Shisha Lounge faces reduced business hours.
Police Recommendations
Mr Graham explained that the review was prompted by The Highthe high volume of crime associated with the venue. He recommended that Hayatt cease all licensed activities by 1am and eliminate vertical drinking, live performances, and loud music to mitigate the issues, emphasising that the late-night operation model was attracting violent individuals to Charlton Shisha Lounge.
Support for Hayatt
Cllr Ann-Marie Cousins defended Hayatt, highlighting the venue’s management efforts to prevent crime. Despite these efforts, Charlton Shisha Lounge still faces reduced hours amid ongoing crime-related concerns. PC Mindaugas Alsaukas, who initiated the licence review, noted a good relationship with Hayatt’s management, indicating no issues with cooperation.
Impact of Early Closure
Hayatt’s legal representative, Gary Grant, argued that a 1.30am licence would jeopardise the venue’s survival, citing a 74% decrease in footfall since an interim order limiting hours was imposed on July 31. He called for a collaborative approach to address crime rather than imposing severe restrictions on Charlton Shisha Lounge, which currently faces reduced operational hours.
Call for Police Support
Mr Grant expressed the need for police support, stating that the focus should be on collaboration to address the criminal elements affecting their patrons. He argued that closing late-night venues due to police resource issues would be unjust and detrimental to the community. Charlton Shisha Lounge faces the challenge of reduced hours and the potential negative impact this has on the community. Hayatt’s general manager, Gemma Creamer, further asserted that the conditions proposed by the police would not effectively prevent crime and would harm the venue’s appeal.
In closing, Mr Grant urged the committee to consider the venue’s importance to the local community, particularly the West African and Caribbean communities it serves, and the impact on the 50 employees awaiting the committee’s decision.
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