The Licensing Sub Committee A of Islington Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026. The meeting's agenda included the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003 and the procedure for hearing licensing review applications under the Licensing Act 2003. The report pack also contained minutes from a previous meeting held on 11 February 2026.

Procedure for Hearings under the Licensing Act 2003

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the procedures for hearing licensing applications under the Licensing Act 2003. This procedure outlines the steps involved in considering applications, including introductions, the presentation of key points by responsible authorities, interested parties, and applicants, followed by questioning and deliberation. The procedure also details how decisions are to be announced and communicated.

Procedure for Licensing Review Applications under the Licensing Act 2003

The committee was also set to review the procedure for hearing licensing review applications under the Licensing Act 2003. Similar to the application procedure, this outlines the process for introducing the application, hearing submissions from the applicant, other representatives, and the licensee, followed by questioning and the deliberation and decision-making process.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The report pack included the minutes from the previous meeting of the Licensing Sub Committee A, held on 11 February 2026. These minutes detailed discussions and decisions made at that meeting.

One significant item from the previous meeting was the Premises Licence Review for The World's End, 21-23 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EF. The report pack indicates that this review involved extensive discussion regarding noise nuisance and the potential removal of deregulation provisions under the Live Music Act 2003. Representations were heard from the applicant for the review, the Licensing Authority, the Noise Team, and interested parties supporting the premises. The report pack details the arguments presented by each party concerning noise levels, the impact on residents, and the premises' operational history. The minutes from the 11 February 2026 meeting show that the Sub-Committee resolved to modify the conditions on the premises licence for The World's End, replacing existing conditions with an updated operating schedule. A key outcome was the stipulation that there would be no live music or regulated entertainment after 11:00 pm until an agreement was reached with the council's Noise Team. The reasons for this decision highlighted the history of noise complaints, the service of a noise abatement notice, and the Licensing Authority's view that licensing objectives related to the prevention of public nuisance were not being promoted.

Another item from the previous meeting was the Premises Licence Variation for The Chocolate Cocktail Club, 72 St John Street, London, EC1M 4DT, which took place on 9 March 2026. The report pack indicates this involved an application to vary the premises licence to reduce operating hours and withdraw an application for recorded music. Representations were received from local residents and the applicant. The residents expressed concerns about noise disturbance, particularly due to the premises being a listed building with wooden beam floors, and requested a professional acoustic assessment. The applicant highlighted the financial viability of the business and their efforts to address concerns, including agreeing to additional conditions and shorter hours. The minutes from the 9 March 2026 meeting show that the Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence variation with specific conditions, including a door closer for the rear door, signage regarding noise, a contact number for residents, quarterly meetings with residents, and the implementation of the 'Ask for Angela' safeguarding initiative. The decision also drew attention to conditions 10 and 11, which the Sub-Committee gave considerable weight to.

The report pack also included an application for a premises licence for Loft, First Floor Rear, 1 Hat & Mitre Court, London, EC1M 4EL, associated with the restaurant Luca at 88 St John Street. This application was subject to representations from two local residents. One resident objected, citing concerns about public nuisance, loss of privacy, and the impact on residential living conditions, particularly regarding noise from music and general activity. This resident also raised concerns about the protection of children from harm and public safety due to the close proximity of the proposed venue to their residential property. The other resident submitted a letter in support of the application, highlighting the management's responsiveness and responsible operation of the venue. The applicant responded to the objection, stating that the Loft's primary use would remain as office space with occasional small, intimate dinner parties and canapé events, and that strict licence conditions had been agreed upon to address noise and ensure responsible operation. The applicant also offered to meet in person and maintain direct communication with residents. The report pack detailed proposed conditions for this licence, including restrictions on licensable activities to pre-booked private functions, an incident log, CCTV requirements, a 'Challenge 25' scheme, a zero-tolerance policy to drugs, and measures to prevent noise nuisance and obstruction of the public highway.