Westminster City Council's licensing sub-committee recently cut the capacity of Sound nightclub in Leicester Square from 1500 to just 600 after it heard evidence of significant incidents of violence over a number of years brought forward by the Police service. The terminal hour was also reduced to 2.00am. Westminster Borough Commander Chris Allison speaking at the Soho Society said "this was a long and difficult court case, and as a result of some excellent work done by the Metropolitan Police Service's Clubs and Vice Unit we succeeded in getting a revocation of the Sound liquor licence"
The licensee appealed and during the appeal period he made a number of alternative proposals to reduce his capacity and to reduce his terminal hour as a result of which the Police were able to withdraw their objection. "This is an excellent example of what we can do to make a difference in the West End" said Commander Allison. The licensee at Sound is Mr Roger Payne, currently chairman of the Leicester Square Association. The premises are in the Soho Society's area but the Soho Society was not an objector in this case.