The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 03 November 2026. The primary item on the agenda is a review of a premises licence for The Castle public house.

Review of Premises Licence: The Castle, 15 Grosvenor Rise East, Walthamstow, London E17 9LB

The most significant item scheduled for discussion is the review of the premises licence for The Castle, located at 15 Grosvenor Rise East, Walthamstow, London E17 9LB. This review has been initiated by an application from Mr Charlie Murray, a local resident, citing concerns related to the promotion of three of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

The report pack details that the application for review stems from allegations that the management of The Castle has failed to adequately control its patrons and their children, leading to issues such as property damage, anti-social behaviour, trespass, and intimidation. Specific concerns raised include damage to council and private property, children using street furniture as play equipment, and patrons consuming alcohol outside the designated licensable area. The review applicant is requesting that the Sub-Committee impose mandatory conditions, including a strict ban on vertical drinking outside, the installation of a physical boundary around the permitted outdoor area, and the deployment of a dedicated, SIA-registered door supervisor during busy periods.

The report pack also includes a substantial volume of representations from other local residents, patrons, and businesses. Many of these representations express strong support for The Castle, highlighting its role as a family-friendly community hub and a valuable local amenity. These representations often counter the claims made by the review applicant, stating that the pub is well-managed, that noise levels are proportionate, and that the atmosphere is sociable and safe. Many also argue that the proposed additional conditions are disproportionate and would negatively impact the pub's viability and its contribution to the community.

The Sub-Committee is asked to consider the application for review and determine what steps, if any, it considers appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives. These potential steps include modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the Designated Premises Supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely. The Sub-Committee may also decide that no action is necessary.

The procedure for this hearing is outlined in the agenda, detailing how parties will be invited to introduce themselves, present their cases, and be questioned by the Sub-Committee. The report pack also includes the existing premises licence for The Castle, which details its current licensable activities and opening hours.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Council Chamber at Waltham Forest Town Hall, located at Fellowship Square, Forest Road, E17 4JF. The meeting is open to the public, with the exception of any agenda items where exempt information may be disclosed, as per Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The full public reports pack for this meeting can be accessed online at Public reports pack 03rd-Nov-2026 10.00 Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee.pdf, and the agenda frontsheet is available at Agenda frontsheet 03rd-Nov-2026 10.00 Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee.pdf.