The Licensing Sub Committee A of Islington Council met on 9 March 2026 to consider a variation to the premises licence for The Chocolate Cocktail Club. The committee granted the variation, allowing for extended Sunday opening hours and the sale of alcohol, subject to several new conditions aimed at mitigating noise nuisance and ensuring public safety.

Premises Licence Variation for The Chocolate Cocktail Club

The Licensing Sub Committee A granted a variation to the premises licence for The Chocolate Cocktail Club, located at 72 St John Street, London, EC1M 4DT. The variation allows for extended operating hours, including Sunday openings, and the sale of alcohol. The application had initially included a request to play recorded music, but this was withdrawn by the applicant.

The decision was made after considerable discussion and consideration of representations from local residents who raised concerns about potential noise nuisance. These concerns centred on both airborne and structure-borne noise, particularly relating to the premises' location within the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area. Residents highlighted issues with noise from the existing toilet location in the rear lightwell, congregating patrons, and the amplification of bass frequencies through the building's structure. They also noted existing noise issues from a neighbouring establishment, the White Bear pub.

The applicant, Holly Wisson-Brooks, Director of The Chocolate Cocktail Club Ltd, explained that the extended hours, particularly on Sundays, were sought to meet demand for afternoon teas and to ensure the financial viability of the business. They acknowledged the challenges of operating in a listed building and stated that they had endeavoured to address concerns raised during a mediation meeting. The applicant noted that the speakers were pre-existing and that they had limited funds for extensive renovations, but were open to finding solutions for soundproofing and had purchased a door closer for the rear door.

The committee resolved to grant the variation with several conditions. These included:

• Specific operating hours for alcohol sales and premises opening, with Sunday hours limited to 13:30 to 20:00.
• The implementation of a doorstop for the rear door and signage reminding customers to limit noise.
• A contact number to be made available to residents during all operating hours.
• The licensee to endeavour to hold quarterly meetings with local residents.
• The premises to operate the 'Ask for Angela' safeguarding initiative, with staff trained in identifying and assisting vulnerable persons.
• Conditions detailed on pages 37 to 38 of the agenda, including CCTV operation, a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, provision of non-intoxicating beverages, and an incident log, were applied.
• Particular attention was drawn to conditions 10 and 11, relating to preventing noise or vibration nuisance to nearby properties and taking appropriate measures to prevent recurrence if a complaint is substantiated.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Heather Staff (Chair and Migrants Champion), Councillor Gary Heather (Vice-Chair), and Councillor Bashir Ibrahim (Young People's Champion). Councillor Rosaline Ogunro sent apologies for absence. The meeting concluded at 8:00 pm.