The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council granted thirteen applications for new premises licences for the Wickside development in Hackney Wick, London E9. These licences were sought by GHL (Wickside) Ltd for various units within the development, including an open space area. The committee considered representations from local residents and responsible authorities before making its decisions.

Wickside Development Premises Licence Applications

The Sub-Committee considered thirteen applications for new premises licences for the Wickside development, located in Hackney Wick, London E9. The applications were made by GHL (Wickside) Ltd and covered individual units at 1, 4, and 5 Market Walk; 46 Hepscott Road; 10 and 14 McGrath Place; 1 and 2 Lock Road; 4, 7, and 14 Boardwalk; 10 Davey Square; and an open space area encompassing Boardwalk and Market Walk.

The requested licensable activities for most of the units included the retail sale of alcohol for both on and off-sales, and the provision of late-night refreshment indoors. The proposed hours for alcohol sales were Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 00:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:30. Late-night refreshment was sought for Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 00:00. Premises were to be open to the public thirty minutes after the cessation of licensable activities, except on Sundays when they would close at the terminal hour. Non-standard timings were requested for Easter Thursday and the Sunday preceding a Bank Holiday Monday, extending alcohol sales and late-night refreshment to 00:00.

The application for the open space specifically sought permission for regulated entertainment, including plays, films, live and recorded music, and dance performances, originally from 12:00 to 21:00.

Two representations were received from local residents objecting to all thirteen applications, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety due to the proximity of the canal. Six representations were received from local residents and workers in support of the applications, highlighting the potential for economic growth and the creation of a vibrant community hub. The Licensing Authority and the Environmental Health Service (Noise Team) made representations against the open space application.

After considering all submissions, the Sub-Committee decided to grant all thirteen applications. The committee noted that the terminal hours sought were not excessive and fell within the council's framework hours. They also acknowledged the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken by the applicant, which likely contributed to the high number of supporting representations and the limited number of objections. Robust conditions were agreed upon and imposed on the licences to address concerns raised by responsible authorities and residents, aiming to promote the licensing objectives.

Specific conditions varied slightly between the different premises, often relating to the consumption of alcohol in internal and external areas, limits on the number of customers in outdoor areas, and the nature of alcohol sales (e.g., ancillary to a food offer). For the open space, conditions included a limit on the number of patrons to 999, a maximum of five events per year, with at least three organised in conjunction with the Council's Parks and Events Team. The terminal hour for the open space was reduced to 20:00.

The Sub-Committee also made a decision regarding the classification of 5 Market Walk, deeming it a larger premises, and therefore subject to the conditions appropriate for larger premises. A definition of match day was to be inserted into the conditions, and conditions relating to toilet and outside area inspections were modified.

The meeting concluded with the Chair, Councillor Peter Golds, thanking attendees. The meeting ended at 4:10 p.m.