The Licensing Sub Committee B of Islington Council met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to consider a new premises licence application. The primary item scheduled for discussion was a new premises licence application for Archway Local, located at 758 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JF.

New Premises Licence Application: Archway Local, 758 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JF

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Archway Local, a business at 758 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JF. The application sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for off-site consumption between the hours of 08:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack indicated that the premises is located within the Archway Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), which is designated as an alcohol saturation zone. This designation means there is a presumption of refusal for new or varied licence applications unless the applicant can demonstrate that granting the licence will not add to existing problems related to alcohol.

Several objections were submitted by local residents and the Better Archway Forum. Concerns raised by objectors included:

• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Residents cited existing issues with anti-social behaviour, such as public urination and vomiting, associated with current licensed premises. They also raised concerns about noise from customers shouting late at night, late-night crowds gathering outdoors, and increased noise from stock deliveries.
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Objections highlighted concerns about the pavement outside the premises becoming a hotspot for violence, begging, and rough sleeping, as well as the likelihood of increased fights, vandalism, and general rowdiness due to increased alcohol availability.
• Protecting and Improving Public Health: Environmental concerns included potential increases in litter from discarded bottles and packaging, increased light pollution from extended shop lighting and signage, and a negative impact on air quality due to additional delivery vehicles on Holloway Road, which is already heavily polluted.
• Public Safety: Concerns were raised about traffic safety, with intoxicated groups gathering outside the premises posing a hazard to pedestrians, and increased delivery vehicles potentially impeding ambulance traffic to the nearby Whittington Hospital. The presence of a vulnerable population, including hospital patients, was also noted, with fears that disturbances would undermine public safety.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Objections expressed concern about children being exposed to coarse language, intoxication, and anti-social behaviour, particularly given the premises' proximity to transport hubs serving multiple schools.
• Cumulative Impact: The designation of Archway as a CIA was a significant point, with objectors arguing that adding another off-licence would exacerbate existing problems of alcohol-related crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

The applicant, Din Dyal, had submitted an operating schedule outlining steps to promote the licensing objectives. This included the installation of CCTV, staff training in responsible alcohol retailing, and adherence to a 'Challenge 25' policy. The report pack also detailed suggested conditions of approval consistent with the operating schedule, which included specific requirements for CCTV operation, incident logging, restrictions on the sale of high-strength alcohol and single cans, and staff training protocols.

The report pack also included a copy of the application form for a premises licence, detailing the applicant's details and the proposed operating hours for various licensable activities, including the supply of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises.

The meeting also included formal matters such as introductions, apologies for absence, declarations of substitute members, and declarations of interest, as well as the order of business and the minutes of the previous meeting. The agenda also noted the possibility of urgent non-exempt items and the exclusion of the public and press for certain discussions.