The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting on 23 January 2025 was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for the Scorpion Bar & Lounge, 7 Hall Lane, Chingford, London, E4 8HH. The application requested permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, live and recorded music, and late night refreshment. A representation from a local resident objected to the application due to concerns about noise and nuisance in the area. The Council's Licensing Team also opposed the application because they had received a complaint about noise from the venue and believe it is unsuitable for the requested hours.

Scorpion Bar & Lounge, 7 Hall Lane, Chingford, London, E4 8HH - Grant of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Scorpion Bar & Lounge at 7 Hall Lane, Chingford, London, E4 8HH.

The applicant, Mr Shpresim Maloku, requested permission for:

• Sale of alcohol (on and off the premises)
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 00:30
  • Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to 02:30
• Live and Recorded Music
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 00:30
  • Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to 02:30
• Late Night Refreshment (indoors and outdoors)
  • Sunday to Thursday - 23:00 to 00:30
  • Friday and Saturday - 23:00 to 02:30

A representation objecting to the application was received from a local resident, Claire Smith of 1 Waverley Ave, on the grounds that late night activity at the venue would cause noise and nuisance to the area.

This is a quiet residential area and not suitable for late night venues which will only add noise and mess to the area. Business not in keeping with Neighbourhood

The Metropolitan Police and the Council's Licensing Team also submitted representations in relation to the application.

The Metropolitan Police initially objected to the application on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. Following discussions with the applicant, the Police were satisfied by the applicant's proposal to implement enhanced security measures, install CCTV, control noise levels, train staff, liaise with the community and adjust their operating hours to:

• Sale of alcohol (on and off the premises)
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 00:30
  • Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to 01:30
• Live and Recorded Music
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 00:30
  • Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to 01:30
• Late Night Refreshment
  • Sunday to Thursday - 23:00 to 00:30
  • Friday and Saturday - 23:00 to 01:30
• Hours open to the public
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 01:00
  • Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to 02:00

The Police were also satisfied by the applicant's agreement to the following conditions:

• There shall be no self-service of spirits on the premises
• The supply of alcohol shall be by waiter or waitress service only

The Council's Licensing Team objected to the application because they had received a noise complaint about the venue and believe it is unsuitable for the requested hours.

The premises is located opposite residential properties, as well as residential dwellings directly above the premises and above the adjacent properties on either side of your client's premises. The granting of live and recorded music beyond 23:00 hours raise concerns that such activities will adversely impact any efforts to promote the public nuisance licensing objective.

The Licensing Team also raised concerns that the applicant's proposal to remove the requirement for alcohol to be sold with food could lead to customers drinking excessively, becoming intoxicated and causing a public nuisance. The Licensing Team noted that the premises already benefits from an outdoor seating area so there should be no need for off-sales.