The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 08 January 2026 to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee decided to adjourn the decision on the application for The New Blxck Ltd, Unit B, 10 Quaker Street, London, E1 6SZ, pending further noise testing. The application for Vittoria Wharf Studio, 10 Stour Road, London E3 2NT, was refused.

The New Blxck Ltd, Unit B, 10 Quaker Street, London, E1 6SZ

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for The New Blxck Ltd, located at Unit B, 10 Quaker Street, London, E1 6SZ. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for on-sales from 10 am to 10:30 pm, Monday to Sunday, and for regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music and films, from 10 am to 10:30 pm daily. The premises would be open from 9 am to 11 pm, Monday to Sunday.

The premises falls within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), and representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Protection, a resident (Halima Begum), the residents' association SPIRE, and a petition from residents.

The Licensing Authority's representation highlighted concerns about the premises operating as a pop-up venue and causing noise disturbance, with crowds gathering outside. They noted that previous complaints related to similar activities at the premises, regardless of the operator. Environmental Health also raised concerns about noise breakout affecting residents directly above and opposite the premises, particularly with the sale of alcohol and the potential for amplified music. SPIRE, a residents' group, objected on the grounds of potential public nuisance, crime, and disorder, citing the premises' location in a densely populated area and an ASB hotspot.

The applicant, represented by Stephen Colthurst, described the premises as primarily a podcast studio with an associated event space for small-scale cultural and community activities. They stated that 95% of their operations would be in soundproofed studio rooms, and that any events would be ticketed or invite-only, with a maximum capacity of 50 people. Alcohol sales were described as ancillary to events, not the primary focus. The applicant also highlighted that they took over the tenancy in February 2025 and that previous complaints related to a prior tenant. They confirmed agreement with 12 police conditions, including no vertical drinking and no dance floor in the main licensable area.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the lack of soundproofing reports and the potential for noise disturbance, especially given the proximity of residential properties. The applicant stated they had requested Environmental Health to visit and assess sound levels.

Ultimately, the committee decided to adjourn the decision on this application to allow for further noise testing. The applicant was asked to provide specifications of the noise plans to Environmental Health within seven days. A site visit and testing were to be arranged within 14 days thereafter, with the decision to be brought back to the committee within four weeks.

Vittoria Wharf Studio, 10 Stour Road, London E3 2NT

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Vittoria Wharf Studio, located at 10 Stour Road, London, E3 2NT. The application sought to extend the sale of alcohol and provision of recorded music on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 am to 3 am, with opening hours extended to 3:30 am. The premises currently holds a licence with earlier closing times.

The application attracted objections from Environmental Health and several local residents, including Martin and Justine Wright, Youri Lie, and Santiago Gomez. Supporters of the application included Charles Green and Ioanna Konstantinou.

Environmental Health, represented by Onuoha Olere, objected due to concerns about noise disturbance and dispersal, particularly given the proximity of residential properties and the lack of a formal noise management plan or dispersal strategy. They noted that the requested hours exceeded the council's framework hours and that previous complaints had been received despite existing licence conditions. Residents echoed these concerns, highlighting issues with noise, litter, loitering, and potential anti-social behaviour, especially given the limited late-night public transport.

The applicant, represented by Thomas Fletcher and Rhys Rose, argued that they had operated successfully under Temporary Event Notices (TENs) until 4 am without complaints and had invested significantly in soundproofing and noise mitigation measures. They presented data from customer exit surveys suggesting a low number of patrons would walk home, with the majority using taxis. They also highlighted that their operations were distinct from other potentially problematic units within the same warehouse complex. The applicant proposed a revised closing time of 2:30 am as a compromise.

After hearing from all parties and considering the evidence, including a noise assessment report and a dispersal policy, the Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application. The refusal was primarily based on concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, particularly regarding noise disturbance and dispersal from patrons during the extended hours, and the potential negative impact on the residential neighbourhood. The committee noted that the requested hours significantly exceeded the council's framework hours and that the applicant had not adequately demonstrated how they would mitigate the impact on residents.

Castle and Goodman's Stile, 44 Commercial Road, London E1 1LN

The committee also noted that an application for a review of the premises licence for Castle and Goodman's Stile, 44 Commercial Road, London, E1 1LN, was to be considered. However, the details of this review were marked as confidential and not publicly available.

Extension of Decision Deadline

The Sub-Committee agreed to extend the decision deadline for several applications to 31 March 2026, including Landing Canary Wharf, Amazing Grace, Second Home Spitalfields, Brick Lane E1 Limited, IM COFFEE, and Shell Old Ford. This was due to the volume of applications requiring hearings.