The Licensing Sub Committee A of Islington Council met on 6 January 2026 to consider applications for new premises licences. The meeting agenda included discussions on three specific premises licence applications, each with associated representations from local residents and responsible authorities.

New Premises Licence: Saffron Fields, 96 Old Street, London, EC1V 9AY

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Saffron Fields, located at 96 Old Street, London, EC1V 9AY. The application sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment from 11:00 to 01:00 on Sundays and 23:00 to 03:00 Monday to Thursday, and until 04:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises would also be open to the public during these hours.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police, who agreed to conditions but not the proposed hours, and from one local resident. The police noted that the applicant had not agreed to amend the hours to align with the council's framework hours for late-night refreshment premises. The resident's objection focused on concerns about noise and public nuisance, particularly if the extended hours were granted. The report indicated that the premises had a previous licence that lapsed in 2016 due to insolvency.

New Premises Licence: Fabrica x Cafe, Cottam House, 36-40 York Way, N1 9AB

An application for a new premises licence for Fabrica x Cafe, situated at Cottam House, 36-40 York Way, N1 9AB, was also scheduled for discussion. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between 11:00 and 22:00 daily, with the premises open from 08:00 to 22:00 Monday to Friday and 11:00 to 22:00 on weekends.

Eleven representations were received from local residents, who raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance. They highlighted the area's existing saturation of licensed premises and noted that the proposed hours and sale of alcohol could exacerbate issues such as noise, anti-social behaviour, and littering, particularly given the proximity to residential properties. The residents also pointed to previous planning conditions that limited operating hours to protect residential amenity. The Metropolitan Police had no objections, having agreed on conditions.

New Premises Licence: SMG Hospitality Limited, 98 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3EA

The committee was also set to review an application for a new premises licence for SMG Hospitality Limited at 98 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3EA. This application sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, it proposed the on and off-sales of alcohol from 11:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and from 11:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises would be open from 11:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

One representation was received from a local resident, who objected on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. The concern related to the potential noise and smell from an industrial extractor fan at the rear of the building, which faced residential flats, particularly if it operated late into the night. The Metropolitan Police had no objections, having agreed on conditions. The applicant's legal representative had been liaising with the resident objector, and an update was expected at the hearing. The premises is located within the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area.

The meeting agenda also included formal matters such as introductions, apologies for absence, declarations of substitute members, and declarations of interest. Procedures for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003 were also outlined.