The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 08 October 2024 to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee granted a licence for Rotunda Café in Island Gardens but refused an application for Solid Floor Ltd in Ezra Street.

Rotunda Café, Island Gardens, Saunders Ness Road, London, E14 3EA

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Rotunda Café, located in Island Gardens¹, London, E14 3EA. The licence permits the sale of alcohol for on and off-site consumption between 08:00 and 17:00, Monday to Sunday. This decision was made subject to several conditions, including the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, the operation of a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, and that alcohol sales would only be made to seated customers consuming a table meal. The external seating area will be limited to 25 patrons at any one time, and alcohol will be served by waiter/waitress service only. No vertical drinking will be permitted, and alcohol will not be served in takeaway cups. The decision was made after considering representations from residents, primarily concerning public nuisance and the potential for crime and disorder. The applicant, Mr. Gianluca Colini², agreed to the reduced hours and numerous conditions to mitigate these concerns.

Solid Floor Ltd, 7a Ezra Street, London E2 7RH

The Sub-Committee refused the application for a new premises licence for Solid Floor Ltd³ at 7a Ezra Street, London E2 7RH. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption and late-night refreshment. The decision to refuse was primarily based on concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance. Numerous objections were received from residents and local businesses, citing potential increases in noise, traffic, and anti-social behaviour in the narrow residential street. Objectors highlighted the proximity to Columbia School⁴ and the existing number of licensed premises in the area. The applicant, represented by Mr. Peter Conisbee⁵, proposed various conditions to mitigate concerns, including blocking up rear windows and limiting external area use by 9 pm. However, the Sub-Committee concluded that the potential impact on public nuisance could not be adequately mitigated and that granting the licence would adversely affect the licensing objective.