Mayfair restaurant stays open after Westminster licence conditions imposed
The Mistress of Mayfair on St James’s Street must end Sunday alcohol sales early, ban dance floors and ensure security staff wear identifiable uniforms following an August 10 attack.
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Story explains safety impact, includes quotes from council and counsel, and outlines licensing conditions.
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Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub‑Committee has allowed the high‑end Mayfair venue, the Mistress of Mayfair on St James’s Street, to remain open, provided it adheres to a series of newly imposed licence conditions after a violent incident on 10 August 2026.
Incident and criminal proceedings
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Council leaders submitted revised funding plans to the Treasury on 22 October 2026, warning of service reductions and tax hikes as the Fair Funding Review 2.0 cuts central grants.
Police were called to the restaurant at 12.20 am on the night of the attack. They reported that Rhys Copas suffered an 8 cm wound that exposed his voice box and damaged nerves. The suspect, identified as Lucci Guthrie, 28, has been charged with attempted murder and is due to appear at the Old Bailey, as reported by MyLondon.
Licensing hearing and imposed conditions
The venue voluntarily closed after the attack and its licence was temporarily suspended pending a full hearing on 7 September 2026. At the hearing, Westminster City Council representatives highlighted failures such as operating like a nightclub, not scanning the suspect’s ID and allowing door staff to work without distinctive uniforms. The council concluded that the premises could stay open if it complied with specific restrictions.
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Wandsworth plans a 94% council‑tax rise and closure of its £6.2 million reserve while Kensington & Chelsea, Richmond and Westminster face multi‑million funding losses.
The premises holder on the night in question didn’t operate to the standard that we would expect of a premises in Westminster.
Westminster City Council representative, as reported by MyLondon
The conditions attached to the licence require the venue to end alcohol sales earlier on Sundays, prohibit the conversion of the space into a dance floor and ensure that security personnel wear clearly identifiable clothing. These measures aim to address the safety concerns raised by both licensing officers and police.
Management changes
Following the incident, the venue’s former General Manager was replaced. Legal counsel for the licence holder, Gary Grant, said the priority has been the victim’s welfare and restoring confidence for future customers.
What happens next
The Mistress of Mayfair must demonstrate compliance with the new conditions during regular inspections. Failure to meet the requirements could lead to further enforcement action, including possible revocation of the licence. Patrons are advised to note the earlier Sunday closing time and the absence of a dance floor while the venue implements the security uniform policy.
Questions this report answers
+What licence conditions were imposed on the Mistress of Mayfair?
The venue must end Sunday alcohol sales earlier, stop operating a dance floor and ensure that security staff wear distinctive, easily recognisable clothing. These conditions were set by Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub‑Committee after a full hearing on 7 September 2026.
+Who has been charged in connection with the throat‑slashing incident?
Lucci Guthrie, aged 28, has been charged with attempted murder following the attack on 10 August 2026. He is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey, as reported by MyLondon.
+When did the licensing hearing take place and what was the outcome?
The licensing hearing was held on Monday, 7 September 2026. Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub‑Committee decided the Mistress of Mayfair could remain open, but only if it complied with the newly imposed conditions.
+What changes have been made to the venue’s management?
The former General Manager of the Mistress of Mayfair has been replaced after the incident. Legal counsel for the licence holder, Gary Grant, confirmed the change was part of the venue’s response to the safety concerns raised.
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