The Hackney Council Licensing Sub-Committee A convened to address several licensing matters. The primary focus was on applications for premises licences for Pretty Earth and 147 Blackstock Road, as well as a representation against interim steps for Sumiya. The meeting also included standard items such as the election of a chair, apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting.

Sumiya, 66-68 Great Eastern Street

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss a representation against the interim steps taken at Sumiya, 66-68 Great Eastern Street. This discussion was scheduled to occur under Section 53B (6) of the Licensing Act 2003 and special urgency provisions. The report pack recommended that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of this agenda item due to the disclosure of exempt information as defined under paragraph 7, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Pretty Earth, 263-263a Mare Street

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Pretty Earth, 263-263a Mare Street, from Huseyin Ulus. The applicant sought authorisation for the supply of alcohol, both on and off the premises, with standard hours from 11:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The application was accompanied by proposed measures to address the licensing objectives¹. The applicant later amended the hours for the sale of alcohol, as described in the application. The current premises licence for 263a Mare Street, trading as Oak Wine Lounge, was granted on 1 May 2025.

Representations from responsible authorities² and other persons were received concerning the application.

• The Environmental Health Authority (Environmental Protection) confirmed that they had no representation on this application.
• The Environmental Health Authority (Environmental Enforcement)'s representation was withdrawn based on agreed conditions.
• The Planning Authority provided informative comments. Gareth Barnett, South Area Team Leader, noted that planning permission should be sought for change of use from restaurant (Class E) to wine bar (Sui Generis³).
• The Police made a representation on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance, and proposed conditions. PC Amanda Griggs, of the Metropolitan Police Service, noted concerns regarding the request for off sales and requested more information about why this was required. The police also requested that sales of alcohol finish at 00:30 to allow 30 minutes 'drinking up' time before the venue closes at 01:00.
• Three representations were received from and on behalf of local residents, on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. One local resident stated that Mr Ulus is already operating a bar next door (Oak Wine Bar), and his father a restaurant on the other side, and expressed concern about the impact of late night business on local residents.

If the Sub-Committee was minded to approve the application, it was suggested that conditions should be applied to the licence, including:

• Conditions relating to the supply of alcohol, such as ensuring a designated premises supervisor (DPS) is in place and that all supplies of alcohol are made or authorised by a personal licence holder.
• Measures to prevent irresponsible promotions and ensure the provision of free potable water.
• The adoption of an age verification policy (Challenge 25).
• Ensuring that alcoholic drinks are available in specified measures.
• Minimum drinks pricing.
• Maintaining a comprehensive CCTV system.
• Keeping an incident log.
• Displaying signage asking customers to leave quietly and respect local residents.
• Reporting all instances of crime or disorder to the police.
• Ensuring that all staff engaged in the sale of alcohol are fully trained.
• Sales of alcohol will only be made to customers seated and all off sales of alcohol will be in sealed containers only.
• SIA registered door supervisors will be employed on a risk assessment basis.
• Conditions relating to waste disposal.

The report pack also included a response from the applicant to residents' concerns, stating that they were amending their application so that the sale of alcohol would cease at 23:00 every day of the week.

147 Blackstock Road

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for 147 Blackstock Road, from Irfan Aktas. The applicant sought authorisation for the supply of alcohol (off-sales) with standard hours from 09:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The applicant proposed measures that could be converted to conditions. The premises is not currently licensed for any activity.

Representations from responsible authorities and other persons were received concerning the application.

• The Environmental Health Authority (Environmental Protection) confirmed that they had no representation on this application.
• The Environmental Health Authority (Environmental Enforcement)'s representation was withdrawn based on agreed conditions.
• The Police's representation was withdrawn based on agreed conditions.
• Two representations were received from and on behalf of local residents, on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. One local resident stated that the public notice for this application was not clearly visible for most of the consultation period, and that the applicant had already installed signage reading Food and Wine, which clearly implies the sale of alcohol.

If the Sub-Committee was minded to approve the application, it was suggested that the following conditions should be applied to the licence:

• Conditions relating to the supply of alcohol, such as ensuring a designated premises supervisor (DPS) is in place and that all supplies of alcohol are made or authorised by a personal licence holder.
• The adoption of an age verification policy (Challenge 25).
• Minimum drinks pricing.
• A strict Challenge 25 ID policy will be enforced.
• Deliveries and waste collection will take place at appropriate times.
• Emergency exits will remain unobstructed and clearly signposted.
• Noise levels will be monitored and controlled to avoid disturbance to neighbours.
• Maintaining a comprehensive CCTV system.
• Keeping an incident log.
• Displaying signage asking customers to leave quietly and respect local residents.
• Reporting all instances of crime or disorder to the police.
• Ensuring that all staff engaged in the sale of alcohol are fully trained.
• Conditions relating to waste disposal.

Temporary Event Notices

The agenda included a standing item to consider Temporary Event Notices (TENs). A Temporary Event Notice is a notification given to the licensing authority by an individual, known as the premises user, to allow them to carry out licensable activities on unlicensed premises for a limited period.