The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to review the premises licence for BlackStar Bar & Grill, following an application for review. The sub-committee will hear evidence and consider representations before determining whether to modify, suspend, or revoke the licence, or take no action. The meeting may also exclude the press and public from part of the meeting.

Review of BlackStar Bar & Grill's Premises Licence

The primary item for consideration is the review of the premises licence for BlackStar Bar & Grill, located at 54 St James Street, Walthamstow. The application for review was submitted by the Air Quality Environment Protection Service, a responsible authority, citing concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety licensing objectives.

The review was prompted by persistent noise nuisance, with local residents reporting disturbances from music and antisocial behaviour by patrons into the early hours, despite warnings and a noise abatement notice.

The report pack includes an application for the review of the premises licence, submitted by Christina Zervou from the Air Quality Environment Protection Service, stating that:

The Air Quality and Environmental Protection Service is submitting an application for a review of this premises licence due to persistent nuisance which is undermining the Public Nuisance licensing objective. Local residents have reported continued disturbance from music noise and antisocial behaviour displayed by the patrons of the venue until the early hours of the morning on the weekends and some weekdays. Despite multiple verbal and written warnings and the service of a noise abatement notice to the premises management, the nuisance problems are still ongoing.

According to the review report the licensing section received five representations, four from local residents and one from the licensing team, all supporting the review application, though one resident subsequently withdrew their representation.

The review report notes that the grounds for the review is based upon:

the licensing objectives; the prevention of public nuisance being undermined due to continued disturbance from music noise and antisocial behaviour displayed by customers

The application for review submitted by Christina Zervou details a history of complaints dating back to November 2023, regarding loud music emanating from the premises, initially known as Big Ts. Despite attempts by council officers to work with the management to mitigate the noise, the problems persisted, leading to the service of a noise abatement notice in February 2025. However, complaints continued, particularly during the summer months, regarding loud music and disruptive behaviour.

As a result, the Air Quality Environment Protection Service has requested that the Sub Committee consider the following:

1. Reduce the hours of the premises licence to sell alcohol to 11.00pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30pm on Sunday.
2. Remove late night refreshment.
3. Remove the right for the premises to have live and recorded music during deregulated times.

Appendix C of the Public Reports Pack includes a representation from Anna Losiniecka, a local resident, who describes the situation as unbearable and details numerous incidents of noise disturbance, antisocial behaviour, and even assault. Anna Losiniecka states that they have been forced to leave the UK because they could no longer live a normal life in their own home.

Jason Bell, an ASB Officer, also submitted a representation, detailing issues including a lack of co-operation from the business owner.

Councillor Catherine Deakin submitted a representation on behalf of a number of residents, stating that the residents request that the Licensing Committee revokes the premises licence in full.

Appendix D of the Public Reports Pack includes a representation from Sherman Xavier, Licensing Enforcement Officer, who states:

It is our concern that the premises has failed to resolve noise and ASB issues over a long period of time and as a restaurant with residential property directly above. Our view is that the premises is not currently suitable to operate as a late night club type venue playing loud music.

The sub-committee is being asked to consider the application for review, taking into account the information provided and any representations made. Under the Licensing Act 2003, the committee has the power to modify the licence conditions, exclude licensable activities, remove the Designated Premises Supervisor¹, suspend the licence for up to three months, or revoke the licence altogether.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The committee may vote to exclude the press and public from the meeting. According to the agenda, this would be in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act, as amended, because the representations may involve the disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals or actions taken in connection with the prevention, investigation, or prosecution of crime.

Procedure at Licensing Sub-Committee

The agenda includes an item to note the procedure at the Licensing Sub-Committee. The Procedure for Review Hearings document outlines the steps to be followed during the hearing, including introductions, presentations from the licensing officer, applicant, responsible authorities, and other parties, and opportunities for questions and summing up.