The meeting was about applications for new licences and variations to existing licences. It included reports on four different venues. Three of the applications were for new licences and one was for a variation to an existing licence. All of the applications included proposals to sell alcohol. The report pack does not tell us what was actually discussed, or whether any decisions were actually made.

Grillshack Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar, 67 Upper Street

This application was for a variation to the existing premises licence for the Grillshack Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar, to allow later opening hours.

The applicant, Nevadene Limited, wished to be allowed to sell alcohol until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant also sought permission to serve late night refreshment until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Islington Council's Licensing Authority submitted a representation objecting to the application because of the cumulative impact of the venue's proposed later opening hours on the Angel and Upper Street Cumulative Impact Area. The Licensing Authority noted that To operate until 02.30 on Fridays and Saturday would be significantly later than the current hours on the licence and beyond the recommended hours in the Licensing Policy, which for Fridays and Saturdays for restaurants and bars is up to midnight.¹

The Metropolitan Police also submitted a representation objecting to the application because The application did not appear to provide any clear case for exceptional cultural or other reasons or offer additional safeguarding measures to prevent issues or detail why there would be no adverse impact in regards to the potential for crime and disorder or anti-social behaviour resulting.

One local resident wrote to the Council supporting the application, stating that We have therefore approached our long-time friend Mr Murat Ketenci, owner of the Grillshack Angel (formerly called Desperados) and suggested that he accommodate our pupils and followers. We have proposed that he applies for a late licence so that we can run cultural events, including live music, as they fit in with the venue and its Latin menu.

Two residents wrote to the Council opposing the application. One said that [The venue] is situated between an estate agent which closes at 6pm, and The Ladybird, which is a late bar (4am license). Above the premises is a dental practice closing at 5.30pm There are no immediate neighbours, so we do not think this is going to cause a disturbance to anyone.

The report pack included proposed conditions of approval, including these measures to reduce noise pollution:

Doors and windows shall remain closed after 23:00, except for access and egress, to minimise noise escape.

The report pack also includes a witness statement from Mr Murat Ketenci, the Designated Premises Supervisor.

Go Mezza, 680 Holloway Road

This application was for a new premises licence for Go Mezza, which wished to be allowed to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises. It also sought permission to serve late night refreshment.

The applicant, KDH London Limited, wished to be allowed to sell alcohol until 1am Sundays to Thursdays, and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. It also wished to serve late night refreshment until the same time.

The applicant agreed with the Metropolitan Police that it would amend its application so that it would only sell alcohol until midnight on Sundays to Thursdays, and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Licensing Authority submitted a representation objecting to the application. It said that The applicant has not made it clear how they will promote the licensing objectives during these hours and in response to the local residents’ concerns.

Three local residents submitted representations objecting to the application. They were all concerned about the noise of an extractor fan at the venue. One of them said:

With the council’s assistance, an acoustic enclosure was eventually placed over their extractor fan in January 2024 which reduced the noise slightly. However, a loud and unrelenting humming noise continues to be made and I have guests and workmen comment on it all the time. Due to this continuing noise disturbance, I am unable to enjoy opening my window when the fan is on from 9:30 to 23:00 . As I say above, even at their current license hours, I am prevented from sleep when the extractor fan is on (with my double glazed window fully closed). I cannot have lie ins over the weekend and cannot ventilate my bedroom in summertime.

Islington Council's Planning & Development department reported that the venue has permission to trade as a restaurant/takeaway without hours limitation or personal permission, which was granted in 1994.

Shahs Halal Food, 255 Seven Sisters Road

This application was for a new premises licence for Shahs Halal Food. The applicant wished to be allowed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, and sought permission to serve late night refreshment, for delivery only.

The applicant wished to be allowed to sell alcohol until 2am Mondays to Thursdays, 3am Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight on Sundays. It also wished to serve late night refreshment until the same time.

Islington Council's Community Safety team submitted a representation objecting to the application. It said:

Since the emergence of the gig economy, we have observed several anti-social behaviour hotspots arising in areas surrounding restaurants offering delivery services. This includes noise nuisance, intimidating behaviour, reckless and dangerous driving, illegal parking, idling, drug dealing, and associated litter, spitting, and toileting.

The Metropolitan Police also submitted a representation objecting to the application. It said that we wish to highlight the following considerations. Any activity that attracts groups of individuals to a specific location is likely to cause some level of nuisance.

The applicant subsequently agreed with the Metropolitan Police that it would only sell alcohol and serve late night refreshment for delivery until midnight, and that the premises would not be open to the public after 11pm.

The Licensing Authority also submitted a representation objecting to the application because it is located within the Holloway and Finsbury Park Cumulative Impact Area. It said that the applicant has provided little or no information as to how they would manage the delivery operation and address concerns raised by Community Safety regarding the nuisance caused by delivery drivers.

Islington Council's Planning and Development department reported that As such, the use (providing the takeaway use remains ancillary to the restaurant) and times in the proposed premises licence are not in conflict with the planning status of the property.²

Ceru, 9-13 Cowcross Street

This application was for a new premises licence for Ceru. The applicant, Barhil 2021 Ltd, wished to be allowed to sell alcohol on and off the premises, and also sought permission to serve late night refreshment. It also requested permission to play recorded music and host performances of dance.

The applicant wished to be allowed to sell alcohol until 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It also wished to be allowed to serve late night refreshment until 11:30pm Sunday to Thursday and 12:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

One local resident submitted a representation objecting to the application. They said:

Already from the nightclub opposite, Fabric, weekly in the evenings there is high level of disturbance with large crowds of - bottles smashing, screaming & drunken behaviour, high level noise & regular urinating in the entrance of Denmark house. This has been reported over the years. Despite Fabrics security presence there is little or no action taken to contain this.

The Licensing Authority did not submit a representation, but noted in its report that The premises are in the [Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area](https://www.islington.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/alcohol-and-entertainment-licences/cumulative-impact-zones), however the hours sought for the sale of alcohol, late night refreshment, and the hours the premises would be open to the public are within framework hours.

Islington Council's Planning and Development department reported that Planning further confirm there are no specific conditions relevant to this application and no open planning enforcement investigations in relation to the premises.