The Licensing Sub Committee of Haringey Council met on Tuesday 7th May 2024 to consider two applications for variations to existing premises licences. The committee granted a new premises licence for Traditional Cafe and Tea House in Wood Green, subject to several conditions, and also granted a variation to the premises licence for The Victoria Tottenham, extending its operating hours on Fridays.

Traditional Cafe and Tea House, Wood Green

The committee granted a new premises licence for the Traditional Cafe and Tea House at 78 Myddleton Road, Wood Green, London N22 8NQ to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. The sale of alcohol will be permitted between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM on weekdays, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The premises will be open to the public from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily.

Several conditions were attached to the licence, including that the premises cannot operate as a men-only social club, menus must be clearly visible in the windows, and alcohol can only be sold to patrons consuming a meal at a table. No gambling or gaming machines will be permitted. The windows of the premises must remain clear to allow visibility from the street, and staff must be trained in the sale of alcohol. A 'Think 25' proof of age scheme will be implemented, and records of refused sales and incidents will be kept. Patrons will not be permitted to take alcoholic drinks or glass containers onto the public highway, and the area immediately outside the premises must be kept clean. A digital CCTV system will be installed, and an incident logbook maintained.

The decision to grant the licence followed representations from the applicant, Mr Michael Lambrou, and objectors, including Councillor Emily Arkell and resident Ms Caroline Simpson. Councillor Arkell and Ms Simpson raised concerns about the potential for the premises to create an intimidating atmosphere, particularly for women, and cited issues of street harassment in the area. Concerns were also raised about public safety, potential public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, especially given the proximity of a nursery. Mr Lambrou stated that the premises had been run by his family since 1989 and had never been men-only, with a clientele largely aged between 70 and 90. He assured the committee that alcohol would be served with meals to prevent excessive consumption and that his elderly patrons were invested in maintaining a safe environment.

The committee considered the London Borough of Haringey's Statement of Licensing Policy and the Licensing Act 2003. While acknowledging the serious concerns raised by objectors, the committee accepted the applicant's assurances and the agreed conditions, which they believed would mitigate the risk of the premises becoming a men-only club or creating an intimidating atmosphere. The limited hours for alcohol sales on weekdays were specifically to protect children from harm, aligning with the nursery's operating hours.

The Victoria Tottenham, Tottenham

The Licensing Sub Committee granted a variation to the premises licence for The Victoria Tottenham at 34 Scotland Green, Tottenham, London N17 9TT to extend its operating hours on Fridays. Regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises will now be permitted from 10:00 AM to 12:30 AM on Fridays. The premises will be open to the public until 1:00 AM on Fridays.

The variation was granted with several conditions, including the installation of a digital CCTV system, maintenance of an incident logbook, and the operation of a 'Think 25' proof of age scheme. Amplified music and bass will not be played at a level that causes unreasonable disturbance to nearby residents, and no music will be played in external areas after 10:30 PM on days with regulated entertainment. All windows and external doors must be kept closed after 10:30 PM, except for immediate access and egress. Patrons will not be permitted to drink from glass bottles or glasses outside the premises.

The application was presented by Mr Liam O'Hare and Ms Sarah Colgate, who highlighted the premises' transformation over the past year into a community-focused venue hosting various events. They sought the extended hours on Fridays to meet community demand and build economic resilience for the business. Representations were received from the Noise and Nuisance team and residents. The Planning Officer noted that current planning permission only allowed operation until 11:00 PM.

The committee acknowledged the positive impact the applicant's business had on the surrounding area and the strong support for the application. They queried the applicant on issues such as late-night dispersal, litter clearing, and public urination, noting the applicant's commitment to addressing these. However, the committee also noted concerns raised by residents regarding increased noise, litter, and patrons gathering outside late at night, particularly given the dense residential area and the presence of other late-night venues.

The committee had regard to Haringey Council's licensing policy, which generally restricts licensable activities beyond 11:30 PM on Sundays to Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in densely populated residential areas. Balancing the applicant's and residents' interests, the committee granted the variation but reduced the requested hours. The terminal hour for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales was set at 12:30 AM, with closing at 1:00 AM, rather than the requested 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM respectively. This decision aimed to mitigate potential noise and disturbance to neighbouring residents.