The Licensing Sub Committee D of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 01 October 2025 to consider two applications for premises licences. The committee approved an application for a premises licence for Basement, 201-203 Hackney Road, London E2 8JL, with modified hours and conditions. An application to vary a premises licence for QQ Grill Restaurant and Lounge, 331 Wick Road, London, E9 5DH, was adjourned.

Application for a Premises Licence: Basement, 201-203 Hackney Road, London E2 8JL

The Licensing Sub Committee D approved an application for a premises licence for Basement, 201-203 Hackney Road, London E2 8JL. The licence authorises the supply of alcohol from Monday to Thursday between 11:00 and 23:00, and Friday to Saturday between 11:00 and 00:00, with Sunday hours from 10:00 to 22:30. The premises will be open to the public from Monday to Thursday between 10:00 and 23:30, Friday to Saturday between 10:00 and 00:30, and Sunday between 10:00 and 23:00.

The decision was made after considerable discussion and consideration of representations from local residents who raised concerns about potential noise, public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the impact on the residential amenity of the area. Residents highlighted that Hackney Road had experienced serious violent incidents, including two stabbings in 2024, and that a late-night venue with alcohol sales could increase the risk of disorder. They also expressed concern that the lack of an outdoor space would lead to patrons congregating outside residential entrances, causing noise and security issues.

The applicant's representative addressed these concerns by agreeing to several conditions, including the removal of regulated entertainment and recorded music from the application, the implementation of a comprehensive CCTV system, an incident log, and the Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales. The committee also imposed conditions such as snooker cues being kept under lock and key, and the premises operating as a snooker club. The applicant also agreed to undertake Ask Angela and WAVE training to help the premises operate responsibly.

The Sub-Committee decided to grant the premises licence with reduced hours, aligning with Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, specifically LP3 Core Hours², due to concerns about cumulative impact and public nuisance in the residential area. The committee noted that the applicant, Yavuz Arikan, is an experienced operator and had made concessions to mitigate the concerns raised.

Application to Vary a Premises Licence: QQ Grill Restaurant and Lounge, 331 Wick Road, London, E9 5DH

The application to vary the premises licence for QQ Grill Restaurant and Lounge, located at 331 Wick Road, London E9 5DH, was adjourned. The variation sought to extend the licensed hours for films, live music, recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

During the meeting, representations were made by local councillors, including Councillor Chris Kennedy³, and residents from Cadogan Terrace and Buxhall Crescent. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for increased public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety, particularly due to the premises' location near residential properties and limited public transport options late at night. Residents cited previous issues with noise and disturbance from patrons arriving and leaving the venue, and the potential for amplified noise and shouting to affect residents. Councillor Kennedy highlighted that previous licence variations had led to anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance for residents along Wick Road and in Cadogan Terrace.

The Licensing Authority, represented by David Tuitt⁴, also raised concerns about the potential for increased public nuisance due to the extended hours, noting that while no complaints had been recorded under the current management, the proposed hours exceeded Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy⁵ core hours.

The applicant, Olanrewaju Olusegun Kuku, had proposed additional conditions related to dispersal policies, parking management, and staff training to mitigate these concerns. However, due to the objections and the need for further consideration, the committee decided to adjourn the application.