The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application from Heidi Battersea Limited, the licence holder for HANA, 281 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 1LP, for a variation of their premises licence. The committee, chaired by Councillor Norman Marshall, decided to grant the application as requested, which allows HANA to extend its hours for regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and to extend opening times until 2:30am on those days.

HANA, 281 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 1LP - Application for Variation of Premises Licence

Heidi Battersea Limited, the premises licence holder for HANA, applied for a variation to their existing licence to extend the hours for regulated entertainment (live and recorded music) and the sale of alcohol (for consumption on the premises) by one hour until 2am on the mornings following Fridays and Saturdays. They also sought to extend the opening times by one hour on Fridays and Saturdays, until 2:30am. The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the application, representations from local residents, and the applicant's mitigation measures before making their decision.

Julie Hopkins, Licensing Officer, confirmed that the application was within the council's licensing hours.

Stephen Novak, owner and operator of Planet Factory, representing Heidi Battersea Limited, explained that the business had been trading for five years and had implemented significant soundproofing measures following a noise abatement order two years prior. He stated that the venue had been trading until 1am without complaints since the soundproofing was installed. Mr. Novak addressed concerns about noise from patrons leaving the premises, suggesting that extending the closing time to 2am would allow for a more gradual dispersal of customers, rather than a mass exodus at 1am. He also mentioned that he had stopped putting on live music in the beer garden of the premises after immediate complaints from neighbours.

Councillor Guy Humphreys sought clarification that the application did not include permission for entertainment in the garden area, to which Mr Novak confirmed he had no intention of putting on any entertainment outside again. He also stated that customers are no longer allowed to drink outside after 11pm to prevent congestion and noise.

Councillor Maurice McLeod expressed concern about a potential surge of people leaving at 2am. Mr Novak clarified that door staff are stationed at the exit to encourage customers to be quiet and that most customers get taxis from the front of the pub. Councillor McLeod said he was pleasantly reassured by the mitigation measures. He asked if Mr Novak would consider ceasing the sale of alcohol before 2am to allow for a more tapered ending to the night. Mr Novak responded that stopping alcohol sales earlier would not achieve the desired effect and would not be commercially viable, as it would not be possible to play live music without selling alcohol.

Ms Hopkins clarified that the application included a 30-minute drinking-up time after 2am, with the premises closing at 2:30am. She also noted that the music would stop at 2am. Mr Novak added that the lights are raised and the music is turned off at closing time to encourage customers to leave.

Two representations were received from local residents, raising concerns about public nuisance due to noise from patrons outside and those leaving the premises late at night. One resident of Eccles Road complained of drunk individuals hanging around and outside the venue at night, with loud screaming and shouting. Another resident said that the current level of late-night noise was already disruptive, with people leaving loudly and drunkenly around 1am.

Mr Novak stated that the noise team always has the last laugh, and that he would comply with any requirements they imposed.

The Public Reports Pack included the application form, the current premises licence, letters of representation from other persons, a map of the area, and photos of the premises. The current licence conditions include mandatory conditions relating to the supply of alcohol, as well as conditions relating to CCTV, door supervisors, an incident register, noise control, and a Challenge 25 policy¹.