The Licensing Sub-Committee A of Hackney Council met on Thursday 30 July 2026 to consider two applications for premises licences. The committee approved the premises licence for Circle 13, with several amended conditions, and a decision is still to follow regarding the variation of the premises licence for Bar A Bar.

Variation of Premises Licence: Bar A Bar, 133-135 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 8BT

The committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for Bar A Bar, located at 133-135 Stoke Newington Road¹, London, N16 8BT. The application sought to extend operating hours for various licensable activities, including plays, films, live and recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. The proposed hours extended significantly later than the current licence, with requests for closing times of 2 am on Sundays to Thursdays and 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police² and numerous local residents. The police initially objected on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and prevention of public nuisance, citing concerns about existing issues with loitering, anti-social behaviour, and noise, particularly in the early hours of the morning. They argued that extending the hours would exacerbate these problems. Residents' objections focused heavily on the prevention of public nuisance, detailing persistent noise disturbance, shouting, congregating outside the premises, litter, and anti-social behaviour that impacted their sleep, wellbeing, and sense of safety. Several residents highlighted that they had previously made numerous complaints and engaged directly with the venue's management without lasting improvement.

During negotiations and the hearing, the applicant proposed amendments to the requested hours and offered additional conditions to address concerns. These included reduced hours on certain weekdays, a limit on the number of patrons in external areas, and a commitment to hold liaison meetings with local residents. The police eventually withdrew their formal objection following these agreements, stating they had zero confidence in the current management system but were prepared to see how the venue operated under the agreed conditions.

Despite the police withdrawal, the committee noted that a decision was still to be made.

Premises Licence: Circle 13, 369-370 Helmsley Place, London, E8 3SB

The committee also considered an application for a premises licence for Circle 13³, located at 369-370 Helmsley Place⁴, London, E8 3SB. The application proposed operating hours from 8 am to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, until 1 am on Thursdays, and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, with late-night refreshment extending to the same times. The venue's concept was described as a community-focused, competitive socialising venue centred around pétanque, food, and hospitality, with alcohol sales being ancillary.

Representations were received from the Environmental Health Authority⁵ (Environmental Protection and Environmental Enforcement), the Metropolitan Police, and numerous local residents. The police and Environmental Health withdrew their representations after the applicant agreed to a set of conditions. However, 16 representations were received from local residents, with 11 objecting and 5 in support.

Objecting residents raised concerns primarily about public nuisance, noise, and disturbance, particularly from the proposed use of the external courtyard area. They highlighted historical issues with previous occupiers of the site and expressed worries about noise from outdoor music, patrons congregating, smoking, and the general dispersal of customers late at night. Specific concerns were raised about the proposed hours for outdoor use and the number of people permitted in external smoking areas.

Residents in support of the application highlighted the potential for the venue to bring positive activity to the area, improve safety by increasing footfall, and offer a community-focused space with non-alcoholic options. They noted the operators' experience and commitment to community engagement.

After considering all representations and hearing from the applicant's representatives, the committee resolved to approve the application for a premises licence. Several conditions were amended or added to the licence. These included:

• The external courtyard area to be closed at 11 pm.
• Patrons temporarily leaving the premises for smoking or phone calls in the external courtyard to be limited to 20 persons.
• Patrons temporarily leaving the premises for smoking or phone calls on Mentmore Terrace to be limited to 10 persons after 11 pm.
• The Premises Licence Holder to hold four liaison meetings annually with local residents, at least every three months, to address concerns or complaints.

The committee was satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined by granting the licence with these conditions, taking into account the applicant's experience, agreements with responsible authorities, and the proposed operational measures.