The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met on Friday, 11 September 2026, to consider an application for a premises licence for St. Mary's Church in Walthamstow. The committee decided to grant the licence with specific conditions and recommendations aimed at upholding licensing objectives.

Grant of a Premises Licence for St. Mary's Church

The Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for St. Mary's Church, located at Church End, Walthamstow, E17 9RJ, with the condition that the sale and consumption of alcohol in external areas must cease at 9:00 PM.

The application, submitted by The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Walthamstow, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, and to exhibit films, between 12:00 PM and 10:30 PM, Monday to Sunday. The premises would be open to the public from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

During the consultation period, representations were received from other persons and the responsible authority, the licensing team. These representations raised concerns related to the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance, preventing crime and disorder, and protecting children from harm.

The Sub-Committee considered these representations and decided to grant the licence in full, with the additional condition regarding external alcohol sales. They also made the following recommendations to the applicant:

• To provide a monthly schedule of projected licensable events to the Almshouses on Vinegar Alley and Church End.
• To limit the number of smokers in the designated smoking area to eight people, ensuring this area is at least 20 metres from the boundary of any residential property.

The Sub-Committee concluded that these decisions were appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives. Parties with a right to appeal have twenty-one days to do so at Thames Magistrates Court. A written explanation of the decision will be sent to all parties within five working days.