The Licensing Subcommittee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 28 February 2023 to consider applications for new premises licences. The committee heard representations regarding a new Sainsbury's Local on Wapping Lane, and applications for Suvlaki 161 on Brick Lane and Chico's Limited on Osborne Street. The application for Suvlaki 161 was adjourned due to the late submission of crucial information.

Sainsbury's Local, 70 Wapping Lane, London, E1W 2RD

The subcommittee considered an application for a new premises licence for Sainsbury's Local at 70 Wapping Lane, London, E1W 2RD, to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Sunday. The applicant, represented by Robert Botkai, stated that the proposed hours were within the council's policy and that Sainsbury's had implemented robust measures to prevent underage sales, including Challenge 25 policies and staff training.

However, residents and local businesses raised significant objections. Martin Milton, speaking on behalf of residents, expressed concerns about the impact on the local community, including increased anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance from deliveries, and the loss of parking spaces. He highlighted the existing density of licensed premises in the area and the struggle of current businesses. Brian Barker, representing local businesses, echoed these concerns, stating that the Wapping area was already saturated with liquor licenses and that the addition of another outlet would exacerbate the difficulties faced by independent traders, potentially leading to further business closures and increased rents.

The applicant's representative, Robert Botkai, argued that the Licensing Act does not consider need or demand as factors for licensing and that competition is healthy. He also noted that the police had no objection to the application. Tom Holland, the acquisition surveyor for Sainsbury's, explained that a new loading bay had been approved and would be used for deliveries, with restricted hours to minimise disruption.

Suvlaki 161, Brick Lane, London E16SB

An application for a new premises licence for Suvlaki 161, Brick Lane, London E16SB, to provide late-night refreshment from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. (Monday to Wednesday), 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. (Thursday to Saturday), and 11 a.m. to midnight (Sunday) was adjourned. The applicant's agent, Mahir Kenech, introduced new information regarding the premises operating under a charity's authorisation for late-night refreshment, which he argued should exempt them from needing a licence. Due to the late submission of this information, the committee decided to adjourn the hearing to allow all parties to review the details thoroughly.

Chico's Limited, 28 Osborne Street, London E16TD

The subcommittee considered an application for a new premises licence for Chico's Limited, 28 Osborne Street, London E16TD, to sell hot and cold food for consumption on and off the premises, with proposed hours for late-night refreshment from 12 p.m. to midnight daily. A non-standard timing request was made for extended hours until 1 a.m. during Ramadan. Nicola Katso from Environmental Health raised objections concerning public nuisance, citing insufficient measures in the operating schedule to promote licensing objectives, particularly regarding patrons entering and exiting the premises and the location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).

The applicant, Mr. Mohamed Iqbal, stated that Chico's is a halal restaurant catering to families and that they had already implemented measures to address Nicola Katso's concerns, including displaying notices asking patrons to leave respectfully and ensuring delivery drivers are managed efficiently. He highlighted that neighbouring premises had later operating hours and that Chico's aimed to add value to the community by offering quality food options. The committee clarified that the licence was specifically for the hour between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. for late-night refreshment, as the hours before that were already covered.

The subcommittee will deliberate on the applications and decisions will be communicated within five working days. The meeting also agreed to extend the decision deadline for several other premises applications to 14 March.