The Licensing Sub-Committee B of Hackney Council met on Thursday, 18 April 2024, to consider a premises licence application for 'Last Days' at St. Michaels Church & Yard, Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QX. The meeting's agenda also included a standing item on Temporary Event Notices.

Premises Licence Application: Last Days, St. Michaels Church & Yard, Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QX

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a premises licence for 'Last Days' at St. Michaels Church & Yard, located at Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QX. The applicant, Last Days Ltd, sought authorisation for the provision of late night refreshment, regulated entertainment (including films, live music, and recorded music), and the sale of alcohol. The proposed hours for these activities extended from 09:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 09:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with extended hours on Sundays before Bank Holidays. The premises' opening hours were proposed to be from 09:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursday, and 08:00 to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application detailed proposed conditions consistent with the operating schedule, including requirements for CCTV, staff training, age verification policies, and responsible alcohol promotions. Additionally, conditions derived from representations by the Environmental Health Authority were proposed, focusing on a designated smoking area, a sound limiting device, and music levels to prevent nuisance.

The report pack indicated that the Environmental Health Authority (Environmental Protection) had withdrawn its representation based on agreed conditions. However, the Police had made representations on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. The Licensing Authority also made representations concerning the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance.

Furthermore, 41 representations opposing the application were received from local residents, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Three representations were received in support of the application.

The committee was presented with guidance and policy considerations, including Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically LP1 (General Principles), LP2 (Licensing Objectives), LP3 (Core Hours), and LP6 (External Areas and Outdoor Events). The report also highlighted the potential implications of the Human Rights Act 1998, particularly concerning Article 6 (Right to a fair hearing) and Article 8 (Right to privacy).

The committee had two options for decision-making: to refuse the application or to approve it with necessary conditions and restrictions for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

Temporary Event Notices Standing Item

The committee was also scheduled to address Temporary Event Notices (TENs) as a standing item. The report pack noted that TENs had been given at the premises in the preceding twelve months for events held between 14-17 December 2023 and on 19 December 2023, both with hours from 12:00 to 00:00.