The Licensing Sub-Committee D of Hackney Council met on Tuesday 16 January 2024 to consider two applications for premises licences. The committee approved a variation to the licence for The Rolling Stock, extending its operating hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 4:00 am, with a condition that no new customers be admitted after 2:00 am. The committee also granted a new premises licence for Hoxton Spirits HQ, authorising the off-sale of alcohol for delivery and collection, with operating hours until 11:00 pm on weekdays and midnight on Saturdays.

Application to Vary a Premises Licence: The Rolling Stock, 46-48 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DA

The Licensing Sub-Committee D considered an application to vary the premises licence for The Rolling Stock[^1] to extend its operating hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The applicant, Byron Evans, sought to extend licensable activities, including the supply of alcohol, to 4:00 am, with premises opening hours until 4:30 am. This would have amended condition 64 of the existing licence, which currently restricts entry or re-entry after 2:00 am.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance, citing concerns about the cumulative impact of late-night operations in the Shoreditch area. Local residents also submitted representations, with some supporting the application and highlighting the positive impact of the venue's security team and lack of noise complaints, while others objected, raising concerns about increased public nuisance, crime, and pressure on police resources.

During the hearing, the applicant agreed to retain the existing condition 64, meaning no customers would be readmitted after 2:00 am, which significantly allayed the concerns of the Licensing Authority. The Sub-Committee also encouraged the applicant to join Hackney Council's Hackney Nights Accreditation initiative.

Decision: The Sub-Committee partially approved the application. The varied hours for licensable activities were extended to 4:00 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with premises opening hours until 4:30 am. However, the amendment to condition 64 was not granted, and the restriction on new admissions after 2:00 am was maintained. A condition was added requiring the Premises Licence holder to submit a Dispersal Policy for approval by the Licensing Authority. The Sub-Committee was satisfied that these measures would promote the licensing objectives.

Application for a Premises Licence: Hoxton Spirits HQ, 1st floor, 2-4 Holywell Lane, Hackney EC2A 4QS

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Hoxton Spirits HQ, authorising the off-sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. The applicant, Hoxton Spirits Operations Limited, proposed operating hours from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm Monday to Wednesday, 10:00 am to midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays. The premises are described as offices with no access to the general public, intended for receiving and dispatching telephone and online orders.

The Licensing Authority submitted a representation on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance, noting that the proposed hours exceeded the council's policy for off-sales of alcohol (LP4), which generally restricts hours to between 8:00 am and 11:00 pm. Concerns were raised about the management of deliveries and collections, particularly in relation to potential nuisance to other occupants of the building and residents, given the communal entrance and location on a TFL Red Route.

The applicant's legal representative clarified that alcohol orders would be taken remotely, including via the company's website and third-party services like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. However, the applicant later confirmed they would use their own delivery partner with electric vehicles and would not be using third-party delivery drivers. The applicant also agreed to withdraw the request for click and collect from the general public, thereby removing any potential for public congregation outside the premises. They also agreed to reduce the operating hours to align with LP4, with alcohol sales concluding at 11:00 pm on weekdays and midnight on Saturdays.

The freeholder of the building, who had initially made a representation on the grounds of public nuisance and public safety, withdrew their objection after discussions with the applicant.

Decision: The Sub-Committee approved the application for a premises licence with several amendments and additional conditions. The operating hours for the supply of alcohol and the premises opening hours were set as Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Condition 6 was amended to state that alcohol orders would be supplied by delivery only, and condition 8 was amended to prohibit general members of the public from entering the premises to purchase alcohol. The applicant also agreed to a condition limiting the number of delivery drivers waiting outside the premises to two at any one time and to provide a Delivery Management Plan, including a code of conduct, for approval by the Licensing Authority. The Sub-Committee was satisfied that these measures would promote the licensing objectives.