The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council is scheduled to convene on Monday, 2 November 2026. The primary item on the agenda is a proposal to vary the premises licence for Altar, located at 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG. This variation seeks to extend the hours for recorded music and the sale of alcohol, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

Variation of Premises Licence: Altar, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone

The meeting's main focus will be the consideration of an application to vary the premises licence for Altar, a venue at 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG. The proposed changes include extending the hours for recorded music and the sale of alcohol. Specifically, the application seeks to allow recorded music from 12:00 to 01:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and from 12:00 to 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The sale of alcohol and general opening hours would also be extended, with proposed hours of 11:00 to 01:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 11:00 to 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. An exception is noted for the ground-floor bar, which would operate until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report pack indicates that eight representations were received during the consultation period for this application: seven from other persons and one from the licensing team, which is a responsible authority¹. These representations have touched upon the four licensing objectives: the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. The applicant has reportedly agreed to conditions proposed by the licensing team, leading to the withdrawal of the licensing team's representation.

The Sub-Committee will need to consider the application and decide whether to grant it in full, grant it in part, or refuse it. The report outlines general principles for licence conditions, emphasising that they must be appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives, precise, enforceable, and tailored to the specific premises. Mandatory conditions applicable to all premises licences, covering the supply of alcohol, exhibition of films, door supervision, age verification, permitted pricing, and irresponsible drinks promotions, will also be relevant.

Several representations from local residents and individuals have been included in the report pack. Some, like those from Adam Blanchot, Jessica Brennan, Richard Bagley, Tamsin Carroll, and Stevie Christopher, express support for the variation, highlighting the need for more adult-focused social venues in Leytonstone and praising the applicants' experience and responsible management of other establishments, such as the Chop Shop Tavern. They believe the extended hours would benefit the local economy and cultural scene.

Conversely, Eric Ng, a resident of Burghley Road, Leytonstone, has raised significant concerns about the proposed 03:00 closing time on Fridays and Saturdays. His representation focuses on the potential for increased issues with intoxicated customers and drug use in an unsecured alleyway adjacent to the premises. He requests that the terminal hour for both alcohol sales and public access be limited to 01:00, and that a robust dispersal policy be implemented.

The report also details the existing premises licence for Altar, which authorises live music, recorded music, late-night refreshments, and the supply of alcohol. The proposed variation would amend these hours. The report pack includes appendices detailing the application itself, the existing licence, newspaper notices, representations from other persons, agreed conditions with the licensing team, and a map of the premises.

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is chaired by Councillor Rosalind Doré, with Councillor Kay Isa and Councillor Richard Sweden also serving as voting members. The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Council Chamber at Waltham Forest Town Hall.