The Licensing Sub Committee B of Islington Council met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to consider a new premises licence application. The primary item for discussion was an application for Archway Local, located at 758 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JF.

New Premises Licence Application: Archway Local, 758 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JF

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Archway Local, situated at 758 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JF. The application sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, with proposed operating hours from 8 am to 11 pm daily.

The report pack indicated that the premises is located within the Archway Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), a zone designated by Islington Council as having a high saturation of alcohol-licensed premises and experiencing significant alcohol-related crime, disorder, and public nuisance. According to Islington's Licensing Policy, there is a presumption of refusal for new or varied licence applications in such areas unless the applicant can demonstrate that granting the licence will not adversely affect the licensing objectives.

Several objections were lodged by local residents and the Better Archway Forum. Key concerns raised by objectors included:

• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Residents cited existing issues with anti-social behaviour, including public urination and vomiting, and noise from customers shouting late at night and gathering outdoors. Concerns were also raised about increased noise from stock deliveries.
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Objections highlighted the potential for the pavement outside the premises to become a hotspot for violence, begging, and rough sleeping, as well as an increased likelihood of fights, vandalism, and general rowdiness due to greater alcohol availability.
• Protecting and Improving Public Health: Environmental concerns included potential increases in litter, light pollution from shop lights and signage, and a worsening of air quality due to delivery vehicles, given that Holloway Road is already a heavily polluted area.
• Public Safety: Worries were expressed about traffic safety hazards created by intoxicated groups gathering outside and by increased delivery vehicle traffic, which could also impede ambulance access to the nearby Whittington Hospital. The presence of a vulnerable population, including hospital patients, was also noted.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Concerns were raised about children being exposed to coarse language, intoxication, and anti-social behaviour, particularly as the premises is located near transport hubs serving multiple schools.
• Cumulative Impact: Objectors argued that adding another off-sales alcohol outlet in an already saturated area would exacerbate existing problems and undermine neighbourhood safety.

The applicant, Din Dyal, proposed a number of conditions to mitigate these concerns, including the installation of CCTV with 31-day recording, staff training in responsible alcohol retailing, and adherence to a 'Challenge 25' policy. The application also detailed plans for stock control, the use of an ultra-violet light to check duty stamps on spirits, and restrictions on the sale of high-strength beer, lager, or cider, as well as single cans.

The report pack also included the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003, outlining the steps for considering applications, including presentations from the Licensing Officer, responsible authorities, interested parties, and the applicant, followed by questioning and deliberation.