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 application for Chicken Cottage Holloway Road, 169 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX.

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

The Sub-Committee refused the application for a new premises licence for Doppio Zero, located at 4 Gillespie Road, London, N5 1LN. The decision was made after considering evidence and submissions relating to the Licensing Act 2003, national guidance, and the Council's Licensing Policy.

Three local residents submitted objections, raising concerns about the applicant's and owner's ability to manage the premises in accordance with licensing standards. Key issues highlighted included:

• Fire hazard: An unauthorised tent extension at the front of the premises was cited as a potential fire hazard.
• Planning consent: Concerns were raised about the absence of regularised planning consent for the extension and previous enforcement proceedings.
• Sale of alcohol without a licence: The owner had admitted to selling alcohol without a premises licence.
• Noise nuisance: Residents reported loud music and large gatherings spilling into the streets.
• Applicant's suitability: The applicant, Mr. Clark, was not the owner and had not yet obtained his personal licence. His experience was deemed insufficient, and he demonstrated limited knowledge of the licensing regime. The Sub-Committee was disappointed that the owner did not attend the hearing.

The Sub-Committee found the residents' objections persuasive and concluded that the proposed management structure would not uphold the licensing objectives. There was insufficient evidence to suggest that historical issues and non-compliances would be addressed. The refusal was deemed proportionate and appropriate to promote the licensing objectives.

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

The application for a new premises licence for Chicken Cottage, located at 169 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX, was adjourned. The Metropolitan Police objected to the application, stating that the requested operating hours for late-night refreshment were outside the framework hours and that the applicant had not provided sufficient justification or safeguarding measures to mitigate potential crime, disorder, or anti-social behaviour. The Licensing Authority also raised concerns about the lack of detail in the operating schedule, particularly regarding non-standard timings and the management of delivery drivers. Planning also objected to the use of the premises as a hot food takeaway, stating that planning permission had not been granted for this use. The case was adjourned to allow for further consideration.