The Licensing Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, to elect a Vice-Chair, approve its terms of reference and establish licensing sub-committees. The committee also reviewed the annual report on the Late Night Levy and considered a report on prosecutions and appeals.

Election of Vice-Chair

Councillor Shahaveer Shubo Hussain was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee for the municipal year 2024-2025, following a vote against Councillor Suluk Ahmed.

Licensing Committee Terms of Reference and Sub-Committees

The committee formally noted its Terms of Reference, Membership, and Quorum for the upcoming municipal year. It also agreed to the establishment of Licensing Sub-Committees, which will be responsible for determining licensing applications where representations have been made. Nine members were appointed as Chairs for these sub-committees: Councillor Peter Golds, Councillor Shubo Hussain, Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Councillor Suluk Ahmed, Councillor Rebaka Sultana, Councillor Mushtak Ahmed, Councillor Leelu Ahmed, Councillor Asma Islam, and Councillor Ahmodul Kabir.

Late Night Levy Annual Review

The committee reviewed the annual report on the Late Night Levy, which funds initiatives to benefit the late-night economy. The report detailed income received, expenditures, and the outcomes of various funded initiatives. Mr Ibrahim Hussain, Licensing Officer, presented the report, highlighting that the total income for 2023/24 was £258,879. Due to a significant surplus built up during the COVID-19 pandemic, additional initiatives were introduced in 2023/24 to reduce this surplus, resulting in a current surplus of £155,602.

Key initiatives funded by the levy include:

• Additional Police Patrols: These patrols, comprising sergeants and constables, operate on Friday and Saturday nights, and additional Sunday nights preceding bank holidays. Their role is to deter crime and disorder, increase public safety, and promote a safer night-time economy.
• Nitrous Oxide and Unlicensed Food Stall Operations: In July and August 2023, operations were conducted to disrupt the use and sale of nitrous oxide and shut down unlicensed food stalls, leading to fines, seizures, and arrests.
• Street Pastor Patrols: These patrols aim to increase public safety and wellbeing, deter minor crimes, and provide assistance to those in the late-night economy.
• Enhanced Cleaning/Sweeping: Additional street cleansing and sweeping services are provided in areas affected by the late-night economy, supported by smart solar bins.
• Portable Urinals: Three portable urinals are placed in key locations on Friday and Saturday nights to prevent street urination.
• Medic Patrols: These patrols assist with injured or vulnerable individuals, reducing the burden on emergency services and promoting a safe night-time economy.
• Radio Link System: A pilot radio link system has been established to connect night-time patrols and venues, aiming to improve communication and efficiency.
• Additional CCTV Cameras: Two CCTV cameras have been installed in Hackney Wick to enhance public safety and aid in evidence gathering.

The committee noted the report and welcomed the work achieved through the Levy revenue.

Prosecutions and Appeals Report

Mr Jonathan Melnick, Principal Lawyer – Enforcement, presented the report detailing completed licensing-related prosecutions and appeals for Quarter 4 2022/23 and Quarters 1-3 2023/24. The report indicated a total of nine prosecutions and six appeals concluded during this period. Mr Melnick highlighted that the council acts as the respondent in appeals against decisions made by the Licensing Committee or its sub-committees. The report also covers matters under the Gambling Act 2005 and Special Treatment Licences. Members acknowledged the efforts of the officers and the robust advice provided by legal officers. The committee resolved to note the report.