This week in Islington:

Alcohol Licence Applications Spark Resident Concerns Over Noise and Nuisance

Islington Council's Licensing Sub Committee B met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Archway Local, located at 758 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JF. The application sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, with proposed operating hours from 08:00 to 23:00 daily.

This proposal drew significant objections from six local residents and the Better Archway Forum. Their concerns centred on the potential for increased public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. Residents highlighted the existing saturation of restaurants and off-licences in the area, which is already designated as a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) for Islington. They voiced worries about existing issues such as street drinking, intimidation, and alcohol-related ambulance callouts, fearing that another alcohol outlet would exacerbate these problems. Specific concerns included increased anti-social behaviour, noise from customers and deliveries, litter, and light pollution.

The Better Archway Forum echoed these concerns, noting that while on-licences were not generally a problem unless operating late, off-licences in a saturation zone were a serious issue. They argued that an additional outlet would likely attract individuals already causing problems, thereby increasing crime and disorder.

The applicant proposed measures to promote the licensing objectives, including CCTV, staff training, and a 'Challenge 25' policy. However, the depth of resident opposition underscores the ongoing tension between supporting local businesses and safeguarding the quality of life and safety of residents in areas already experiencing the impacts of licensed premises.

Read the full Licensing Sub Committee B meeting details here.

Planning Committee Agrees Sub-Committee Membership

The Planning Committee met on Monday 1 June 2026 to confirm the minutes of its previous meeting and to agree the political balance and membership of the Planning Sub-Committees. This is a crucial procedural step that ensures the committees responsible for deciding on planning applications are constituted fairly and reflect the overall political makeup of the council.

Political Balance of Planning Sub-Committees

The committee agreed that each Planning Sub-Committee would consist of five councillors. In line with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the allocation of seats was designed to reflect the political balance of the council. The Labour Group, holding the majority of seats, was allocated three seats on each sub-committee, while the Green Group, with a significant minority, was allocated two seats.

This decision ensures that decisions made by the sub-committees are representative of the council's elected members. The appointed members for Planning Sub-Committee A are Labour Councillors Kane Emerson (Chair), Martin Klute, and Maia Hamilton, alongside Green Councillors Sheridan Kates and Jonathan Ward. For Planning Sub-Committee B, the appointed members are Labour Councillors Toby North (Chair), Claire Jeapes, and Joe Peck, with Green Councillors Sheridan Kates and Giulio Ferrini.

The committee also confirmed that all members and substitute members of the Planning Committee could act as substitute members for the Planning Sub-Committees, and set the quorum for each sub-committee at three councillors.

Read the full Planning Committee meeting details here.

Licensing Committee Gears Up for the Year Ahead

The Licensing Committee convened on Monday 1 June 2026. A key item on the agenda was the appointment of Licensing Sub-Committees for the upcoming year. This is a standard procedural meeting that sets the structure for how licensing decisions will be made throughout the municipal year.

The committee also prepared to discuss urgent non-exempt items, including the delegation of licensing functions, and considered whether to exclude the press and public from discussions involving confidential information. These procedural steps are essential for the effective and lawful operation of the council's licensing functions.

Read the full Licensing Committee meeting details here.

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub Committee B met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Archway Local. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

New Mayor and Council Leader Elected as Islington Gears Up for the Year Ahead

Islington Council's Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2026 marked a significant moment with the election of Councillor Rosaline Ogunro as the new Mayor and the re-election of Councillor Una O'Halloran as Leader of the Council. These appointments set the tone for the council's direction and priorities for the coming municipal year.

Councillor Rosaline Ogunro Becomes Islington's New Mayor

Councillor Rosaline Ogunro was elected as the new Mayor of Islington. Nominated by Councillor Saiqa Pandor and seconded by Councillor Toby North, Councillor Ogunro shared her personal journey and deep commitment to public service. Drawing on her past experiences as a radio announcer in Nigeria and her work with Citizens Advice in Islington, she emphasised her dedication to serving the borough's residents.

Councillor Ogunro announced her chosen charities for her mayoral year: St. Luke's Community Centre and the Islington Boat Club. These organisations play vital roles in supporting the community, with St. Luke's offering a wide range of services and connections for people of all ages, and the Islington Boat Club providing inclusive water-based activities that build confidence and well-being. Councillor Jilani Chowdhury was appointed as Deputy Mayor.

The election of a new Mayor is a cornerstone of local government, symbolising the civic leadership and ceremonial head of the borough for the year. The Mayor's role involves representing the council at civic events, chairing full council meetings, and championing chosen charities.

Read the full Annual Council meeting details here.

Councillor Una O'Halloran Re-elected as Leader of the Council

Councillor Una O'Halloran was re-elected as the Leader of Islington Council. Nominated by Councillor Jilani Chowdhury and seconded by Councillor Sheila Chapman, Councillor O'Halloran, who is Islington-born and raised, spoke of her commitment to serving the borough's residents and her guiding principles.

Councillor Benali Hamdache, Leader of the Opposition Group, congratulated Councillor O'Halloran and acknowledged the record turnout in the recent local elections, indicating strong resident engagement. The Leader of the Council is the political head of the council, responsible for setting its strategic direction and overseeing the Executive.

Executive and Committee Appointments Confirmed

Following the election of the Leader, the council proceeded with the appointment of the Deputy Leader and the Executive. Councillor Ruth Hayes was appointed Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Health and Social Care. The Executive members and their portfolios were confirmed, ensuring a clear division of responsibilities for key council services.

• Councillor Sheila Chapman: Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families
• Councillor Jason Jackson: Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods
• Councillor Paul Convery: Executive Member for Finance
• Councillor James Potts: Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Planning
• Councillor Rowena Champion: Executive Member for Climate, Environment and Transport
• Councillor Heather Staff: Executive Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods
• Councillor Saiqa Pandor: Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships

The council also agreed to the political balance and proportionality arrangements for committee appointments, ensuring fair representation across different political groups. Councillor Martin Klute was appointed Chair of the Planning Committee, and Councillor Troy Gallagher was appointed Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. These appointments are crucial for the effective functioning of the council's oversight and decision-making bodies.

Formal Appointments and Outside Organisations

Paul Clarke was formally appointed as the permanent Chief Finance Officer/Section 151 Officer, fulfilling a legal requirement for financial stewardship. Additionally, a pool of individuals was appointed to serve on Independent Admission Appeal Panels and Independent Review Panels, which handle appeals against school admissions and reviews of school exclusions, ensuring fair processes for families.

Various councillors were also appointed to serve on a range of outside organisations, extending the council's reach and influence in regional and national bodies. Councillor Troy Gallagher was appointed to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority for a four-year term.

The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Jason Jackson, delivered his final announcements, reflecting on his year in office and thanking those who supported him. A vote of thanks was given to Councillor Jackson and his consort for their service.

Read the full Annual Council meeting details here.

This week in Islington:

Businesses Face Scrutiny Over Alcohol Licences and Late-Night Operations

Islington Council's Licensing Sub Committee C met on Thursday 21 May 2026 to consider applications that could significantly impact local communities, particularly concerning the sale of alcohol and late-night operations. The committee reviewed a proposed variation to a premises licence for the Co-Op on Junction Road and a new premises licence application for Frequency Coffee in Angel Square.

Co-Op on Junction Road: 24-Hour Alcohol Deliveries Under the Microscope

The committee was set to discuss a significant proposed variation to the premises licence for the Co-Op at 11-19 Junction Road, London, N19 5QT. The application sought to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While the store itself would close to the public at 11:00 PM on most days, sales between closing and reopening would be exclusively for online delivery.

This proposal drew concerns from the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police. The Licensing Authority highlighted potential for increased alcohol-related harm and crime, noting Islington's special policy on cumulative impact for off-sales premises. While the delivery-only aspect after hours aimed to address street drinking, further controls were deemed necessary.

The Metropolitan Police suggested conditions to mitigate the impact of 24-hour alcohol delivery, which is already prevalent in the area. These included:

• Restricting public access to the premises between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• Requiring alcohol sales to be ancillary to a broader grocery order with a minimum spend of £20 on non-alcohol items.
• Mandating that alcohol be ordered and paid for online, with delivery only to the registered residential address.

The Council's Noise Service also objected, citing concerns about public nuisance. They proposed conditions for delivery drivers, such as no loitering near residential areas and a no-idling policy. Some of these conditions were agreed upon by the applicant, but others remained under discussion. The potential for increased noise and disturbance from delivery operations, especially late at night, is a key concern for residents in this area.

Frequency Coffee: New Licence Application Sparks Resident Objections

A new premises licence application for Frequency Coffee, located at Angel Square, Torrens Street, London, EC1V 1NY, was also on the agenda. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, alongside live and recorded music during the same hours. The premises would be open to the public from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

This application falls within the Angel and Upper Street Cumulative Impact Area, meaning the committee had to consider Islington's Licensing Policy, which presumes refusal for applications likely to add to cumulative impact unless proven otherwise.

While the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise Service withdrew their initial representations after conditions were agreed, eight representations from local residents remained outstanding. These objections focused on the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. Residents cited existing issues such as alcohol and drug-related anti-social behaviour, littering, public urination, and noise disturbance. They expressed fears that granting the licence, particularly for alcohol sales and music, would exacerbate these problems in an area already considered saturated with licensed venues. Concerns were specifically raised about noise from music and patrons dispersing late at night, and the risk of increased street drinking.

Read the full Licensing Sub Committee C meeting details here.

This week in Islington:

Businesses Face Scrutiny Over Alcohol Licences and Stolen Goods

Islington Council's Licensing Sub Committee D met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to consider two significant applications that could impact local communities and public safety. The committee reviewed a new premises licence for Rheidol Rooms and a review of the licence for Retail 24, with resident concerns and police allegations taking centre stage.

Rheidol Rooms: Residents Raise Noise and Nuisance Concerns

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Rheidol Rooms, located at 16 Rheidol Terrace, London, N1 8NS. The applicant sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises and play live and recorded music. However, five local residents lodged objections, citing fears of public nuisance, noise, increased litter, and potential anti-social behaviour in what is a predominantly residential area. The Angel Association also objected to the music licence aspect.

The applicant proposed measures to mitigate these concerns, including noise limiters, regular sound monitoring, and staff training. While conditions were agreed with the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise Service, the residents' concerns highlight the delicate balance between supporting new businesses and protecting the quality of life for those living nearby. The outcome of this application will be crucial for managing the impact of new licensed venues on established communities.

Retail 24: Police Allege Handling of Stolen Goods

A more serious matter before the committee was the review of the premises licence for Retail 24, located at 194 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DT. The Metropolitan Police requested the review following allegations that the premises had been involved in accepting stolen goods in exchange for alcohol.

The police presented evidence, including CCTV footage, suggesting staff were purchasing stolen items from individuals. A multi-agency visit also uncovered breaches of licence conditions and the seizure of prohibited disposable vapes. The report detailed further incidents, including the alleged deletion of CCTV footage and arrests of staff members. The Metropolitan Police stated they had lost confidence in the premises' ability to operate lawfully. The Licensing Authority and Trading Standards supported the review, citing management deficiencies and disregard for previous guidance. The police requested the hearing be held in private due to ongoing criminal proceedings. This case underscores the council's role in ensuring licensed premises do not facilitate criminal activity and contribute to public safety.

Read the full Licensing Sub Committee D meeting details here.

Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee meeting, which was scheduled for Thursday 30 April 2026, was cancelled. This committee typically examines issues related to housing, regeneration, and community services, and its cancellation means that discussions on these important topics will be delayed.

Read the full Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.