Decision Maker: Licensing Sub Committee C

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: August 12, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:   The decision   The Licensing Sub-Committee, in considering this decision from the information presented to them within the report and at the hearing and having regard to the promotion of the licensing objectives:   ·  The prevention of crime and disorder ·  Public safety ·  Prevention of public nuisance ·  The protection of children from harm   The amended application to vary a premises licence has been approved in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Licensing and the proposed conditions set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report.   ·  The hours for licensable activities, shall be, as agreed:   Plays Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00   Films Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00   Live Music Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00   Recorded Music Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00   Performance of Dance Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00   Late Night Refreshment Friday  23:00 - 00:00 Saturday  23:00 - 00:00   Supply of Alcohol (on sales) Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00   Supply of Alcohol (off-sales) Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00   Opening Hours of the premises Friday  10:00 - 00:00 Saturday  10:00 - 00:00     ·  The variation application was amended withdrawing Thursdays.   And the following additional conditions:   ·  No refuse and/or bottles are to be placed in external receptacles or in areas outside the premises between 2300 - 06:00     Reasons for the decision   The amended application to vary this premises licence has been approved, as members of the Licensing Sub-Committee were satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined.   The Sub-Committee took into consideration that the Licensing Authority withdrew their representation after agreeing reduced hours with the Premises Licence Holder. The Sub-Committee noted there were no objections from the other Responsible Authorities.   The Sub-Committee took into account that there were 4 representations from Other Persons (local residents) objecting to the application.   The Sub-Committee heard the Premises Licence Holder’s representations that since 2016 the Premises Licence Holder has been operating the premises as a museum, and an art gallery, and they make a cultural contribution to the community. The Sub-Committee noted that no complaints had been received and the premises is a member of the Hackney Nights scheme. Their staff are trained through the Hackney Nights scheme. The Premises Licence Holder made representations that the premises are safer and inclusive for customers. The premises support the Women’s Rights Charter and they advocate improving women’s safety at night. The Premises Licence Holder made representations that they take the public safety of their customers very seriously.   The Sub-Committee took into account that the premises provided table service and six customers could be seated outside. The Sub-Committee noted that the outside area of the premises closes at 10:30 pm to prevent noise nuisance and to ensure safety of customers. The staff at the premises direct customers to public transport options available from the premises. Children are only allowed on the premises until 19:00. The premises have demonstrated that they take the licensing regime seriously.   The Sub-Committee took into consideration the Premises Licence Holder made representations that the premises is located in an area where there is heavy traffic which is beyond their control. Also there is a bus stop where a number of people congregate on Mare Street to get the buses or to walk past to get to the train station which is a very busy area. The Sub-Committee heard that the flats and residential properties were built after the premises opened in 2016. The Sub-Committee noted that the premises has a capacity of 35 customers.   The Sub-Committee heard the representations from the local resident that attended the hearing. The local resident firstly thanked the Premises Licence Holder for reducing the hours to Thursday, Friday and Saturday. However they had concerns that needed to be addressed. There is an increase on the busy main road and the general noise has increased. It is problematic for local residents where customers are drinking alcohol and they have made complaints to the premises directly regarding their concerns. Attempts have been made to use planters and have a barrier to prevent the noise nuisance and disturbance to local residents. The premises have no noise limiter. The Sub-Committee noted the local resident made representations about the exit from the premises, and that some of the issues were not specifically relating to the premises. The Sub-Committee took into consideration concerns about customers loitering outside and not being moved on by the premises. There were concerns also about recycling being put out late at night causing late night noise and disturbance to local residents.   The Sub-Committee felt that the Premises Licence Holder demonstrated that they were willing to work with local residents and have been operating well, however, they needed to tighten up their process and procedures. The Sub-Committee noted that the premises play background music and have not gone above this. The Sub-Committee noted there were no complaints from the Responsible Authorities. The Sub-Committee took into consideration the representations from the local resident. However they were not certain of all the issues related to the premises.   The Sub-Committee took into account that Sunday to Wednesday will remain in line with core hours under Policy LP3. There are additional conditions set out at paragraph 8.1 of the report that will be added to the premises license. The Sub-Committee took into consideration that as a compromise, the Premises Licence Holder agreed to withdraw the hours applied for on Thursdays which will remain within core hours under Policy LP3 closing at 23:00. Therefore, limiting the application to Friday and Saturday only. The Sub-Committee also agreed to a condition not to Dispose of Bottles and recycling late at night.   The Sub-Committee felt that the increased hours on Fridays and Saturdays would not make a significant difference to what occurs in the area and will not add to the cumulative impact in the area. The Sub-Committee also felt that it would help to have a demarcation barrier to prevent noise to reduce the impact on local residents.   Having taken all of the above factors into consideration the Sub-Committee  was satisfied that by granting this variation of the premises licence, the licensing objectives would continue to be promoted.   Public Informative 1.  The Premises Licence Holder is encouraged to work with local residents to prevent any public nuisance or negative impact in the area.   2.  The Premises Licence Holder  is reminded to comply with condition 23 that “ there will be no more than 6 patrons smoking outside the premises at any one time. This will be monitored by staff ”.