The Licensing Sub Committee C of Islington Council is scheduled to consider applications for new and varied premises licences. The committee will review proposals for Lebanon Grill, Marathon Restaurant, and Istanbul Meze Restaurant.

New Premises Licence Application: Lebanon Grill

The committee is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Lebanon Grill, located at 153 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX. The application seeks permission for the provision of late-night refreshment from 11:00 to 03:00, seven days a week.

Several representations have been received regarding this application. The Metropolitan Police have objected, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance, stating the application lacks sufficient detail on management during proposed hours and does not adequately mitigate risks associated with late-night trading. The Licensing Authority has also raised concerns, particularly regarding public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder, highlighting an ongoing enforcement case related to planning permission breaches concerning the extractor system. Environmental Health has also raised concerns about odour and smoke nuisance, with investigations ongoing under statutory nuisance legislation. Residents have also submitted objections, citing extreme smoke pollution, public nuisance, and potential health risks, particularly for young people. They also express concerns about increased antisocial behaviour, noise, and litter if the hours are extended.

The applicant, Lebanon Grill Limited, has proposed various conditions to address these concerns, including CCTV, an incident log, and measures to manage delivery drivers. However, the representations indicate that these proposed conditions may not fully mitigate the concerns raised by the responsible authorities and residents.

Premises Licence Variation Application: Marathon Restaurant

The committee is scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Marathon Restaurant, located at 193A Caledonian Road, London, N1 0SL. The application seeks to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment. The proposed hours for alcohol sales would be Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 to 01:30, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 to 02:30. The premises would be open to the public until 02:00 on Sundays to Thursdays and 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application has attracted several representations. The Metropolitan Police have objected to the extended hours, stating the application seeks operating times outside the framework hours without clear justification or additional safeguarding measures. They note that the proposed conditions are not as robust as existing ones. The Licensing Authority has also raised concerns, particularly regarding the Holloway Road and Finsbury Park Cumulative Impact Policy Area¹. They are seeking clarification on how the premises will be managed outside core restaurant hours and question the enforceability of conditions tying alcohol sales to food. Residents have also submitted objections, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. Past incidents, including fights and disturbances, have been highlighted, with fears that extended hours would exacerbate these issues. A historical article from the Islington Gazette in 2014 detailing alleged violence and licence reviews for both Marathon and Menelik restaurants is also included in the report pack.

The applicant, represented by Noel Samaroo of NTAD Consultants Ltd, has submitted a clarification statement arguing that the proposed operation is food-led and that the existing 31 conditions in the operating schedule provide a robust framework to prevent the premises from operating as a late-night alcohol-led venue and to avoid adding to cumulative impact.

Premises Licence Variation Application: Istanbul Meze Restaurant

The committee is also scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Istanbul Meze Restaurant, located at 90-92 Seven Sisters Road, London, N7 6AE. The current licence permits alcohol sales until 22:30 and late-night refreshment until midnight. The variation application seeks to extend alcohol sales until 01:30 on Sundays to Thursdays and 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Late-night refreshment hours would be extended to 01:30 on Sundays to Thursdays and 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises would be open to the public until 02:00 on Sundays to Thursdays and 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Representations have been received from the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police. The Metropolitan Police have objected to the extended hours, stating the application seeks operating times outside the framework hours without clear justification or additional safeguarding measures. They note that the proposed conditions are not as robust as those already in place for the current, lesser hours. The Licensing Authority has also raised concerns, particularly regarding the Holloway Road and Finsbury Park Cumulative Impact Policy Area. They are seeking clarification on how the premises will be managed outside core restaurant hours and question the enforceability of conditions tying alcohol sales to food. The Licensing Authority also notes the lack of proposed restrictions for accompanied children during the extended late hours and expresses concerns about the suitability of the building's structure for late-night operation, given potential noise issues in similar nearby premises. The Council's Noise Service initially raised concerns but has withdrawn its representation after conditions were agreed.