The Licensing Sub-Committee A of Hackney Council met on Thursday 18 January 2024 and refused an application for a premises licence for Night Group, located at Bohemia Place (Private Road Outdoor Street Area), Mare Street, E8 1DU. The committee heard representations from the applicant, the Licensing Authority, and local residents before making their decision.

Application for Premises Licence: Night Group, Bohemia Place

The Licensing Sub-Committee heard an application for a premises licence for Night Group, located at Bohemia Place, Mare Street, E8 1DU. The application sought authorisation for regulated entertainment and the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, to take place on 8 days per year across 4 weekends.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority on the grounds of the Prevention of Public Nuisance, and from Other Persons (local residents) on the grounds of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety, Prevention of Public Nuisance, and the Protection of Children from Harm. Environmental Health (Environmental Enforcement) initially made a representation but withdrew it based on agreed conditions.

During the hearing, concerns were raised by both the Licensing Authority and local residents regarding the potential for noise nuisance. The Licensing Team Leader noted that noise from previous events on 23 September and 7 October 2023 could be heard from approximately 200 metres away. Residents highlighted that the proposed events would significantly increase the number of attendees in Bohemia Place, which they considered an unsuitable location for such events due to its proximity to residential areas and the potential for noise to be channelled by the surrounding viaduct and brick walls. They also raised concerns about the lack of community consultation and the impact of previous events on their wellbeing, stating they were unable to remain in their homes.

The applicant's barrister argued that the land was owned by Network Rail and that the applicant was an experienced operator. They proposed additional conditions related to an acoustic report and management plan, and noted that Planning Services had made no representations, as events under 28 days do not require planning permission. The applicant also proposed reducing the number of events to demonstrate effective management and offered to work with residents to find a middle ground, including taking noise readings from residents' homes.

However, the Licensing Sub-Committee ultimately refused the application. The reasons for the decision stated that granting the licence would undermine the licensing objectives, particularly the Prevention of Public Nuisance, and have a negative impact on the area. The committee considered the representations from local residents and the Licensing Authority, noting that the applicant had not allayed the concerns raised. They felt the proposed number of attendees (over 2,500) and the duration and frequency of the events were unacceptable in a residential area, and that the applicant had not fully considered the impact on residents or carried out sufficient noise testing. The committee also noted that an acoustic report had not been presented to the hearing.

The applicant was advised to consider low-intensity events in the future and to work with local residents and the Environmental Protection Team to prevent noise nuisance.

Temporary Event Notices

There were no Temporary Event Notices discussed at this meeting.