Licensing Sub-Committee D convened to consider a new premises licence application for 323 Old Street, and to address temporary event notices. Councillor Richard Lufkin, Councillor Sem Moema, Mayoral Adviser Private Renting and Housing Affordability, and Councillor Joe Walker were present. The committee approved the recommendations of a report on treasury management.

Application for a Premises Licence: 323 Old Street

Mr Qais Safi applied for a premises licence for 323 Old Street to allow the sale of alcohol from 9am to midnight, Monday to Wednesday, and from 9am to 2am, Thursday to Saturday.

The location is within the Hoxton East and Shoreditch ward.

Background

Mr Qais Safi had applied under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003. The current premises licence, granted on 11 November 2011, was transferred to Mr Qais Safi in May 2025. The premises is currently a cocktail bar known as Cirque .

Representations

The Metropolitan Police and the Hackney Licensing Authority submitted representations against the application, while the Environmental Health Authority, Planning Authority, Area Child Protection Officer, Fire Authority and Health Authority did not. No representations were received from other persons.

Police Representation

The police representation cited the location of the premises within the 'Shoreditch Triangle', an area identified in the Cumulative Impact Assessment as having the highest concentration of licensed premises. They noted the reintroduction of the Shoreditch Special Policy Area (SPA) in April 2025, referencing Hackney's Licensing Policy LP10:

within Special Policy Areas, 'it is the Council's policy to refuse applications where a relevant representation is made to any application with the SPA unless the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed activity will not add to the cumulative impact being experienced in these areas.'

The police argued that the application did not demonstrate this and should be refused. They also raised concerns about pre and post-loading, littering, and the availability of off-licences in the area. The police stated that the application was in excess of the Council's Licensing Policy LP4 regarding off-sales, which generally restricts hours to between 8am and 11pm.

Licensing Authority Representation

The Licensing Authority highlighted that the change in operation from a cocktail bar to an off-licence posed different challenges, potentially leading to increased street drinking and pre/post-loading. They also referenced the Shoreditch SPA and Hackney Council's cumulative impact report, stating:

It is possible that the presence of a further Off Licence in this area may facilitate activity such as street drinking and pre/post-loading of alcohol. These activities may place the licensing objectives at risk of being undermined. It is difficult to see how the activities and hours sought will not add to the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area.

The Licensing Authority also cited Licensing Policy LP10, noting that applications within a Special Policy Area will be refused unless the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed activity will not add to the cumulative impact.

Officer Observations

The Licensing Officer suggested that if the Sub-Committee approved the application, conditions should be applied to the licence, including measures related to:

• Supply of alcohol (off-sales)
• Age verification policy
• Minimum drinks pricing
• Staff training
• CCTV
• Challenge 25 scheme¹
• Incident book
• Waste management

Legal and Human Rights Considerations

The report noted the Council's duty under the Licensing Act 2003 to promote the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It also referenced the Human Rights Act 1998, specifically Articles 6, 14, 1 and 8, balancing the peaceful enjoyment of possessions with the right to privacy.

Decision Options

The report presented two options for the Sub-Committee:

1. Refuse the application.
2. Approve the application with conditions or restrictions.

Temporary Event Notices

The committee also addressed temporary event notices, a standing item on the agenda.