Councillor Abdi Mohamed, chaired a meeting of the Licensing Sub Committee, which addressed a range of licensing issues, including a premises licence variation, a licence review and transfer, and a temporary event notice (TEN). A decision on the premises licence variation for The Widow's Son, was deferred, while the committee heard arguments for and against the review, and transfer of the premises licence for East End (Kaymax) Off Licence. The committee also considered a TEN application for 63 Redchurch Street, which was withdrawn after discussion.

The Widow's Son, 75 Devons Road

A decision on an application for a variation of a premises licence for The Widow's Son, was deferred to a later date. The applicant, Selim Balta, sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol, extend the provision of late night refreshment, extend the licensed area, and amend existing conditions.

The application faced opposition from residents, the Licensing Authority, and Environmental Protection, primarily due to concerns about public nuisance and safety. Residents cited existing issues with noise from outdoor patrons, non-compliance with existing licence conditions, and a dismissive attitude from management regarding their concerns.

The applicant's representative, Dilic Alagoz, stated that the applicant had voluntarily reduced the proposed hours to address neighbour concerns:

• Sale of alcohol on the premises, Monday to Thursday, from noon to midnight, Friday and Saturday, from noon to 1am, Sunday, from noon to 10.30pm.
• The external seating area would close strictly at 11pm each day.

Dilic Alagoz also emphasised the pub's history, stating that The Widow Sun had been a licensed premises since 1848, predating the surrounding residential developments. He invoked the agent of change principle¹, arguing that new developments should adapt to established venues.

Corinne Holland, representing the Licensing Authority, acknowledged the proposed reduction in hours but noted they were still greater than framework hours. She raised concerns about the use of the outside area, particularly regarding noise and obstruction of access for disabled people. Nicola Kadzo, from Environmental Health, echoed these concerns, highlighting the proximity of residential properties and the potential for public nuisance.

Councillors questioned the applicant about the extent of the proposed external area, but the applicant was unable to provide exact measurements. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the dimensions of the outside seating area, Councillor Abdi Mohamed, Chair of the Licensing Subcommittee, made the decision to adjourn the application, so that the applicant could update the plans and provide accurate information.

East End (Kaymax) Off Licence, 203 East India Dock Road

The sub-committee then addressed the review of the premises licence and the application for a transfer of a Premises Licence Holder for East End (Kaymax) Off Licence.

PC Mark Parkinson of the police licensing, applied for a review of the premises licence on the grounds of not upholding the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. The review was triggered by a multi-agency licensing visit on 17 July 2025, during which illicit vapes, nitrous oxide canisters, cannabis grinds, and crack pipes were discovered. PC Parkinson stated that the police believed that drug dealing had been taking place at the premises for a long period of time.

Corinne Holland from the Licensing Authority supported the review, citing confusion as to who had been running the premises. She stated that Aaron Konak had been the designated premises supervisor (DPS) since May 2008, but had told the council that he had left the business about four years ago. Alex Brander from Trading Standards supported the review, noting that 108 single use vapes were seized from the premises, more than a month after they had been banned.

Nathaniel Gadsby, representing London Halal Group Limited, the company seeking to transfer the licence, stated that his client had no knowledge of or involvement in the previous illegal activity. He argued that the police's objections to the transfer were based on suspicion rather than evidence. He stated that his client intended to appoint Nijam Ahmed, the DPS of the Poplar Mini Market next door, as the DPS for the East End K-Max off licence.

PC Parkinson stated that the police's concerns were not allayed, as they had seen no evidence that the premises was now under new management and ownership which was more responsible than the former. He stated that the police believed that the transfer was an attempt to circumvent responsible enforcement against the premises licence.

63 Redchurch Street

Finally, the sub-committee considered a temporary event notice (TEN) for 63 Redchurch Street. Nicola Kadzo from Environmental Health and PC Kieran Wells from the police had objected to the TEN, citing concerns about crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, public safety and protection of children from harm.

The premises user, Adam Kirk, stated that he had revised the event from a public launch party to an invitation-only exclusive influencer event, with a reduced capacity of 100 people. He also stated that he had appointed two SIA² accredited security staff, and implemented a noise and dispersal management plan.

Jonathan Melnick, Legal Advisor to the subcommittee, advised that if the event was private and no charge was being made, it may not constitute regulated entertainment within the meaning of the Licensing Act 2003, and therefore would not require a TEN. Following this advice, Adam Kirk withdrew the application.

Other Business

The sub-committee agreed to extend the decision deadline for applications relating to Milano's Express and Pizza and Perry Perry, 479 Cambridge Heath Road, and the adult gaming centre, 403 Bethnal Green Road, to January 2026.