The Hackney Council Licensing Sub-Committee E convened on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, for a remote meeting that was live-streamed. The committee addressed a review of the premises licence for Molly Blooms, a pub located at 525 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4AR, and agreed to modify the conditions of the premises licence. No Temporary Event Notices (TENs) were considered at the meeting.

Review of a premises licence: Molly Blooms, 525 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4AR

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to modify the conditions attached to the premises licence for Molly Blooms, after considering an application for review of the licence made by Channing Riviere on behalf of the Licensing Authority, and representations from both supporters and opponents.

The committee agreed to modify the conditions of the premises licence, adding the following agreed conditions:

1. The doors leading to Bentley Road shall be closed and rendered unusable by customers after 22:00 daily, except in the case of an emergency.
2. Doors and windows shall be kept closed, except for access and egress, when regulated entertainment is taking place.
3. The premises management team shall implement an External Area Management Plan, and a copy shall be submitted to the Licensing Authority.
4. The premises management team shall implement a Dispersal Policy, and a copy shall be submitted to the Licensing Authority.
5. The premises licence holder shall ensure that a contact telephone number is made publicly available so that local residents have a direct contact to the management team during the times the premises is operating.
6. In the event that complaints are received regarding noise from regulated entertainment, and those complaints are substantiated by the Council’s Licensing or Environmental Health Team, the premises licence holder will install a sound limiter at the premises and all live and recorded music shall be routed through that sound limiter.

The Sub-Committee's decision was influenced by several factors. They noted the 44 representations in support of the premises from local residents, and that no representations from local residents supported the Licensing Authority’s application. They also acknowledged the absence of representations from other Responsible Authorities.

The Sub-Committee considered the representations from the Licensing Authority, including the implementation of a specific External Area Management Plan, a Dispersal Policy, and additional conditions to mitigate their concerns. They also noted that the number of smokers would be agreed with the Licensing Authority and covered in the External Area Management Plan.

The Sub-Committee took into account the representations from the legal representative of the Premises Licence Holder and the Premises Licence Holder acknowledging that there had been issues at the premises, and the witness statement of the Premises Licence Holder.

The Sub-Committee also considered representations from two local residents who supported the premises, stating that they lived close by and had never experienced any problems. They felt the premises were an important part of the Dalston community and expressed confidence in the staff's ability to address any concerns.

The Sub-Committee decided not to change the current operating hours, based on representations from the Licensing Authority that the hours could remain unchanged if the agreed conditions, Dispersal Policy, and External Area Management Plan were implemented and adhered to by the Premises Licence Holder and staff.

The Sub-Committee sympathised with the Premises Licence Holder’s circumstances but emphasised the need for them to delegate responsibilities to staff effectively. They deemed it unacceptable to withhold CCTV footage when requested by an authorised officer.

The Sub-Committee felt that modifying the conditions on the premises licence was appropriate to prevent the licensing objectives being undermined and ensure the premises operate responsibly.

The Public reports pack included several letters of support for Molly Blooms, including one from a resident who lived above the pub, who stated:

I live above the pub Molly Blooms on the second floor. I hereby attest that the establishment below is very well operated and I frequent the pub myself. Most patrons and personnel know one another, but newcomers are always welcomed. On certain evenings there is security on the door ensuring everyone has a good evening / night. I don't experience any noise disturbance or public nuisance from the pub.

The Public reports pack also included a letter from a customer who described Molly Blooms as:

a local family pub where women on their own feel safe and comfortable. In the 15 years I have used the establishment I have never witnessed any trouble or crime. It is a friendly and well run pub.

The Licensing Sub-Committee encouraged the Premises Licence Holder to collaborate with the Licensing Authority and local residents to prevent any public nuisance or negative impact in the area.

Temporary Event Notices - Standing Item

No Temporary Event Notices (TENs) were considered at the meeting.