The Licensing Sub-Committee C of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 7 October 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Gauchoworld Space. The committee resolved to refuse the application.

Application for a Premises Licence: Gauchoworld Space, 145 Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QR

The committee considered an application for a premises licence for Gauchoworld Space, located at 145 Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QR. The applicant, Gauchoworld Limited, sought permission for licensable activities including films from 18:00 to 23:00, and live and recorded music on Fridays and Saturdays from 18:00 to 23:00, with overall premises opening hours from 09:00 to 23:00 daily.

The application received numerous objections from local residents and representations from responsible authorities, primarily citing concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Key issues raised included excessive noise from amplified music, particularly bass, which residents reported could be heard within their homes and disrupted sleep. Concerns were also raised about large crowds congregating outside the premises, obstructing pavements, causing litter, and engaging in anti-social behaviour, including public urination. The lack of adequate toilet facilities within the small venue was a recurring point of contention.

Dean George, representing Gauchoworld, explained that the venue aimed to be a community space for creatives and that commercial events helped fund these initiatives. He proposed reduced hours and a limit of three music-led events per month. He also stated a willingness to engage with the community and ward councillors.

However, Channing Riviere, Principal Licensing Officer for the Licensing Authority, maintained that the premises' location in a highly residential area made it difficult to promote the licensing objectives, even with proposed conditions.

During the hearing, numerous residents spoke, detailing their negative experiences with noise, crowds, litter, and a perceived lack of engagement from the applicant. They highlighted that the venue's small size and lack of soundproofing made it unsuitable for amplified music events in such close proximity to residential properties. Several residents expressed a lack of trust in the applicant's ability to adhere to proposed conditions, citing past incidents and a perceived aggressive response to complaints.

The Licensing Sub-Committee, comprising Councillor Antoinette Fernandez, Councillor Janet Lee, and Councillor Bettina Maidment, considered all written and oral representations. They noted the applicant's stated intentions and proposed amendments but ultimately concluded that granting the licence would undermine the licensing objectives. The committee highlighted compelling evidence that the use of the premises in the past for hosting events had led to significant public nuisance and disorder, citing numerous noise complaints and resident testimonies. The lack of suitable toilet facilities was also a significant concern.

Despite acknowledging the applicant's positive intentions for community projects, the Sub-Committee resolved to refuse the application for a premises licence. They stated that the conditions and reduced hours offered were not sufficient to address the fundamental concerns regarding public nuisance and disorder stemming from the premises' operation and its residential location. The Applicant was encouraged to work alongside local residents and Ward Councillors to ensure that the business could be a success.

No Temporary Event Notices were considered at this meeting.