The Licensing Sub Committee B of Islington Council met on 7 January 2025 to consider two new licence applications. The committee refused the application for Doppio Zero, Ground Floor Cafe, 4 Gillespie Road, London, N5 1LN, and adjourned the decision for Chicken Cottage Holloway Road, 169 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX.

Doppio Zero, Ground Floor Cafe, 4 Gillespie Road, London, N5 1LN - New Licence Application

The Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application for a new premises licence for Doppio Zero. The decision was made after considering evidence and submissions relating to the Licensing Act 2003, national guidance, and the Council’s Licensing Policy.

Key reasons for the refusal included:

• Applicant's Limited Knowledge: The applicant demonstrated limited knowledge of the licensing regime, and there was no evidence to suggest the owner possessed any such knowledge.
• Inadequate Management Structure: The proposed management structure was deemed unlikely to uphold the licensing objectives.
• Lack of Assurance for Improvement: There was no persuasive evidence that historical issues and non-compliances at the premises would be addressed. The Sub-Committee concluded that refusing the licence was proportionate and appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives.

During the hearing, a local resident raised concerns about extensive and serious breaches of the law by the owner, including serving alcohol without a licence and management standards not being compliant. Concerns were also raised about an unauthorised tent extension, which posed a potential fire hazard, and the playing of loud recorded music. The resident noted that the owner had admitted to selling alcohol without a licence and was unaware of the need for a licence to play music. The applicant, who stated they were not the owner but an associate working alongside them, admitted to mistakes in the application process and was in the process of obtaining a personal licence. The Sub-Committee expressed disappointment that the owner did not attend the hearing.

The resident's arguments were found persuasive, particularly regarding the fire hazard posed by the tent extension, the lack of planning consent, previous alcohol sales without a licence, and noise issues. The Sub-Committee also considered the proximity to local residents and the impact on them, as well as past compliance and the applicant's ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards. The lack of planning consent for the extension and the owner's absence were significant factors in the decision.

Chicken Cottage Holloway Road, 169 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX - New Licence Application

The Sub-Committee decided to adjourn the decision on the new licence application for Chicken Cottage Holloway Road.

The application sought permission for late-night refreshment from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am, Monday to Sunday, and for the premises to be open to the public during the same hours. The premises are located within the Holloway Road and Finsbury Park Cumulative Impact Area, meaning the Sub-Committee had to consider Licensing Policy 3, which presumes refusal unless it can be satisfied that there will be no adverse cumulative impact on licensing objectives.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police, raising concerns about the proposed hours being outside the framework hours for late-night refreshment and the potential for increased crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour, and public nuisance. The Licensing Authority also noted that while planning permission existed for a café, there was no permission for use as a hot food takeaway. The Metropolitan Police indicated that the applicant had initially accepted conditions for trading within framework hours but later confirmed they wished to proceed with the extended hours, leaving the matter for the Committee to determine.

Due to these representations and the need for further consideration, the decision was adjourned.