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Hackney off-licence: Crime fears in Shoreditch?

This week in Hackney:

  • Off-Licence Application in Shoreditch Triangle Sparks Debate Over Cumulative Impact
  • Licensing Sub Committee D Meeting

Off-Licence Application in Shoreditch Triangle Sparks Debate Over Cumulative Impact

The Hackney Council Licensing Sub Committee D met on Monday to consider an application for a premises licence at 323 Old Street, in the heart of Shoreditch. You can read the full report here. The committee heard arguments for and against the licence, but deferred making a decision.

Qais Safi applied for a licence to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 9am and midnight, Monday to Wednesday, and between 9am and 2am, Thursday to Saturday.

Objections Highlight Crime and Nuisance Concerns

The application faced strong opposition from the police and the council's Licensing Authority, who cited concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

The police noted that the premises is located in the 'Shoreditch Triangle', an area identified in the council's Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) as having the highest concentration of licensed premises. They argued that the application failed to demonstrate how the proposed off-licence would not exacerbate the existing problems in the area.

The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, stating that the change in operation from a cocktail bar (Cirque) to an off-licence could lead to increased street drinking and pre/post-loading of alcohol, further contributing to the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area.

The Licensing Authority referred to Hackney Council's licensing policy, which states that it is the council's policy to refuse applications where a relevant representation is made to any application within a Special Policy Area unless the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed activity will not add to the cumulative impact being experienced in these areas.

Potential Conditions for Approval

The report pack included a list of conditions that could be applied to the licence if the sub-committee were minded to approve the application. These included measures such as staff training on Challenge 25 and refusal of sales to intoxicated persons, CCTV, and restrictions on the sale of certain types of alcohol.

Licensing Sub Committee D Meeting

The Hackney Council Licensing Sub Committee D met on 4 August 2025. You can read the full report here. The sub-committee considered an application for a premises licence at 323 Old Street, and a variation of licence for Gindungo, Unit 19 Bohemia Place. The application for Gindungo was withdrawn. The committee heard arguments for and against the premises licence for 323 Old Street, but deferred making a decision.

Upcoming Meetings

Fanshaw House Approved, Shoreditch Licence Review & Pensions Update

This week in Hackney:

  • Planning Committee Approves Fanshaw House Development Amidst Resident Concerns
  • Licensing Sub-Committee to Review Spaces Unlocked Application in Shoreditch SPA
  • Pensions Committee Focuses on Investment Strategy and Climate Risk

Planning Committee Approves Fanshaw House Development Amidst Resident Concerns

The Planning Sub-Committee has approved the construction of a three-storey building with flats at Fanshaw House, despite objections from local residents. You can read the full report here. The development, which includes a one-bedroom flat, a two-bedroom maisonette, and a three-bedroom maisonette, was approved subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

Residents raised concerns about overdevelopment, loss of daylight, privacy, and increased traffic. However, the committee concluded that the development would contribute to Hackney's housing needs, aligning with policy LP12 of the Hackney Local Plan 2033 (LP33). The committee also noted that the applicant has agreed to pay a £150,000 affordable housing contribution, as required by policy LP13 of the LP33.

The committee also approved the erection of a bin store and planters at 72 Ashenden Road, despite some objections.

Licensing Sub-Committee to Review Spaces Unlocked Application in Shoreditch SPA

The Licensing Sub Committee B was scheduled to discuss a premises licence application for Spaces Unlocked at 118 Curtain Road. You can read the full report here. The venue, located within the Shoreditch Special Policy Area (SPA), seeks authorisation for various licensable activities, including plays, films, live music, and the supply of alcohol, with extended hours in the basement.

The application has drawn representations from responsible authorities, including the police and Environmental Health Authority, as well as local residents. The committee was to consider whether to approve or refuse the application, with or without additional conditions.

Pensions Committee Focuses on Investment Strategy and Climate Risk

The Pensions Committee met to discuss investment strategy, voting policy, and climate-related financial disclosures. You can read the full report here. The committee agreed to consider an updated voting policy, further training, and a review of investment strategy.

A key focus was on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Metrics and Target. The committee noted a Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint reduction of 11.6% from 2023 to 2025. They also agreed to follow up on companies highlighted as high emitters for scope 1, 2 and 3.

The committee also noted the government's response to the 'Fit for the Future' consultation, and the Pension Schemes Bill, which includes a road map for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Hackney tackles homelessness, debates late-night licences & more

This week in Hackney:

  • Council Approves Housing Acquisition to Combat Homelessness Crisis
  • Licensing Sub-Committee Weighs Public Nuisance Against Business Needs
  • Scrutiny Commission Examines A-Level Provision and School Inclusion

Council Approves Housing Acquisition to Combat Homelessness Crisis

Hackney Council has approved a plan to purchase 125 homes for use as temporary accommodation, aiming to alleviate the borough's growing homelessness crisis. You can read the full report here. The decision, made under a General Exception Notice due to time constraints, highlights the urgency of the situation.

The funding for this initiative will come from the Greater London Authority (GLA) under the Council Housing Acquisition Programme. The report pack notes that the purchase of all homes needs to be completed by 31 March 2026.

The report pack explains that:

These units will be used for temporary accommodation and will have a significant impact on both the residents that are in vital need of stable long term housing and the council's finances given the temporary accommodation overspend currently experienced.

This move comes in response to a special investigation report published by the Housing Ombudsman Service in May 2025, which highlighted serious failings in the council's housing services.

Licensing Sub-Committee Weighs Public Nuisance Against Business Needs

The Licensing Sub Committee E met to discuss a variation to a premises licence, and consider objections to two temporary event notices (TENs). You can read the full report here. The sub-committee considered a variation to a premises licence for 90 Hideout & 90 LIVE, and objections to TENs for Kingsland Nursery and Donnys Doners.

  • 90 Hideout & 90 LIVE: The venue applied to extend its hours for licensable activities, including plays, films, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, anything of similar description, and late night refreshment until 01:00 Sunday to Wednesday, 02:30 Thursday, and 06:00 Friday and Saturday. They also sought to extend the supply of alcohol until 01:00 Sunday to Wednesday, 02:30 Thursday, and 04:00 Friday and Saturday. The Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority submitted representations regarding the application. Two representations were received from local residents, one in support of the application and one opposing it.
  • Kingsland Nursery: The Metropolitan Police and Environmental Protection objected to a TEN for an event at Kingsland Nursery, scheduled for 26-27 July 2025. The objections were based on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance. PC Neal Hunwick from the Metropolitan Police stated that the addition of regulated entertainment in a residential area would lead to complaints from residents. Rockwell Charles, Environmental Protection Manager, noted that his department had received 12 noise complaints from 11 separate households during a similar event held at the premises on 28 June 2025, which resulted in a Noise Abatement Notice being served.
  • Donnys Doners: The Metropolitan Police objected to a TEN submitted for Donnys Doners, for an event scheduled for 26-27 July 2025. The objection was based on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. PC Neal Hunwick stated that the premises is situated directly opposite Netil House which contains a large number of licensed premises, Mare Street Market and Forest Road Brewery, all of which contribute to a large ongoing issue with dispersal at closing time. He added that Westgate Street is a hotspot for phone snatches and drug dealers, and that a late-night takeaway venue would further extend this issue and increase crime and disorder in the area.

Scrutiny Commission Examines A-Level Provision and School Inclusion

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met to discuss A-level provision in the borough, and to hear evidence on behaviour management and school inclusion from the National Association of Headteachers, the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit, and representatives from Hackney's voluntary sector. You can read the full report here.

  • A-Level Provision at New City College: Following concerns about changes to A-level provision at the B6 campus of New City College, Jason Morantz, Director of Education and Inclusion, made a statement. He said that while New City College had the right to make its own decisions, the council had a responsibility to ensure sufficient A-level opportunities were available in the borough. Mr Morantz told the commission that Hackney currently offered approximately 2,000 A-level places, with 1,131 students enrolled on A-level courses in the past year, leaving around 870 places unfilled.
  • Behaviour Management and School Inclusion: The commission heard from a number of contributors as part of its review of behaviour management and school inclusion. James Bowen and Matthew Waterfall from the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) gave a presentation on the impact of the pandemic and the challenges schools are currently facing. Coralyn Burge and Ella Keeley from the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) presented on their work to support the Inclusion Charter. Representatives from three local community organisations - Hackney Quest, The Crib and Immediate Theatre - presented on their work to support local children and young people who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion from school.

Other Matters

  • Council: The Hackney Council meeting scheduled for 23 July 2025 included discussion of the Members' Allowances Scheme, the Youth Justice Strategic Partnership Plan, a motion on violence against women and girls, and an update on the council's strategic plan. You can read the full report here.
  • Special Urgency Notices: The Hackney Council Special Urgency Notices meeting on 21 July 2025 was convened to discuss the Youth Justice Strategic Partnership Plan 2025-28, with the aim of securing its approval before a critical deadline. You can read the full report here.

Upcoming Meetings

Hackney Council: Late-Night Noise, Overspend, & Violence Against Women

This week in Hackney:

  • Licensing Sub-Committee Addresses Concerns Over Late-Night Refreshments and Noise
  • Council to Decide on Strategic Plan, Community Engagement, and Violence Against Women
  • Cabinet to Discuss Financial Overspend, Property Disposals, and Voluntary Sector Strategy

Licensing Sub-Committee Addresses Concerns Over Late-Night Refreshments and Noise

The Licensing Sub Committee D convened to address several licensing matters, focusing on premises licence variations, new applications, and temporary event notices (TENs). You can read the full report here. The committee considered a premises licence variation for Sun Cafe, a new premises licence application for Brim Burgers Dalston Ltd, and a TEN for Kingsland Nursery.

  • Sun Cafe: The application to extend hours for late-night refreshment and alcohol sales faced opposition from the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority, citing concerns about insufficient measures to address licensing objectives1 during the extended hours. The police requested conditions such as CCTV, an incident log, and adherence to the Challenge 25 policy2. The Licensing Authority also requested evidence of the premises' current planning status, in accordance with LP5 Planning Status3.
  • Brim Burgers Dalston Ltd: The application for a new premises licence faced objections from the Environmental Health Authority and the Licensing Authority, both citing concerns about public nuisance. The Environmental Protection Team noted suboptimal performance of the kitchen extract system, leading to potential odour nuisance. The Licensing Authority requested evidence of the premises' current planning status, in accordance with LP5 Planning Status, and a delivery management plan.
  • Kingsland Nursery: Objections to the TEN came from the Metropolitan Police and the Environmental Protection Team, citing previous noise complaints from local residents due to amplified music at previous unlicensed events. The Environmental Protection Team noted that a noise abatement notice had been served.

Council to Decide on Strategic Plan, Community Engagement, and Violence Against Women

The Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss a range of topics, including the council's strategic plan, finances, community engagement, and public safety. You can read the full report here. Councillors will also consider motions on violence against women and girls, and discuss proposed amendments to council procedure rules.

  • Strategic Plan Update: The council is scheduled to discuss the Strategic Plan Annual Update Report 2024-25, highlighting progress in delivering on key priorities under three core themes: For a Fairer, Safer Hackney; For a Greener, Healthier Hackney; and For Every Child in Hackney.
  • Opposition Sponsored Business: The Hackney Independent Socialist Group has proposed a discussion on Hackney's record on community consultation and engagement, claiming that Hackney has a poor reputation for listening to public opinion and a lack of transparency in decision-making.
  • Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): A Labour motion will be presented, calling for a review of commissioning practices for VAWG services, prevention of vital service erosion, comprehensive education on healthy relationships in schools, and collaboration with survivors and local specialists.

Cabinet to Discuss Financial Overspend, Property Disposals, and Voluntary Sector Strategy

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the council's financial position, proposed property disposals and acquisitions, and a refresh of the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy. You can read the full report here. They will also discuss the North London Waste Authority Joint Waste Strategy, and proposed changes to planning guidance.

  • Financial Position: The Cabinet will consider the 2025/26 Overall Financial Position Report - May 2025, which indicates a forecast overspend of £9.372m. The report states that the overspend is attributed to pressures across various services, including Adult Social Care, Children's services, and Climate, Homes and Economy.
  • Property Disposals and Acquisitions: The Cabinet will discuss a Capital Update and Property Disposals and Acquisitions report, including a proposal to dispose of three assets from the council's commercial portfolio and a proposal to purchase 161 Queen's Drive, to add to the council's supply of temporary accommodation.
  • Voluntary and Community Sector: The Cabinet will consider a report on the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Strategy Refresh, and a report on the Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Programme Redesign.

Other Matters

  • Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee: The Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled. You can read the full report here.
  • Licensing Committee: The Hackney Council Licensing Committee met on Wednesday 16 July 2025 to discuss the Licensing Service Annual Report, and to consider the minutes from their previous meeting. You can read the full report here.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The licensing objectives are: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. ↩

  2. Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (photographic ID, with date of birth) when buying alcohol. ↩

  3. LP5 (Planning Status) refers to the council's policy on planning permission for licenced premises. ↩

Hackney Venue's 6 AM Licence Bid Faces Opposition

This week in Hackney:

  • 90 Hideout & 90 LIVE Faces Opposition Over Late-Night Licence Bid
  • Hackney Grapples with Waste Strategy Amidst Ambitious Recycling Targets
  • Council to Refresh Voluntary Sector Strategy Amidst Funding Cuts

90 Hideout & 90 LIVE Faces Opposition Over Late-Night Licence Bid

The Licensing Sub Committee E is set to meet on Monday to consider a request from 90 Hideout & 90 LIVE, a venue in Hackney Wick, to extend its licensable activities until as late as 6 AM on weekends. You can read the full report here. The application has drawn objections from the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority, and local residents, raising concerns about potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

The venue, formerly known as Studio 9294, is seeking to significantly extend its operating hours, including allowing plays, films, live and recorded music, dance performances, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales until the early hours of the morning.

While the venue has utilized Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to operate during similar hours in the past, the application for a permanent extension has sparked worries about the impact on the local community.

The Licensing Authority has pointed out that the requested hours far exceed the core hours outlined in the council's licensing policy and that the applicant has not proposed any additional measures to mitigate the potential negative impacts.

The decision could have significant implications for the balance between supporting Hackney's vibrant nightlife and protecting the well-being of residents.

Hackney Grapples with Waste Strategy Amidst Ambitious Recycling Targets

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) Joint Waste Strategy (JWS) for 2025-2040. You can read the full report here. The strategy, developed in collaboration with seven North London boroughs, including Hackney, sets ambitious targets for waste reduction and recycling.

The JWS aims to:

  • Achieve a 50% recycling rate by 2030.
  • Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
  • Minimise the environmental impact of waste management activities.

Achieving these goals will require significant changes in how Hackney residents and businesses manage their waste. The strategy also highlights the importance of waste prevention and reuse, which are considered even more environmentally friendly than recycling.

The NLWA faces the challenge of balancing environmental goals with the need to provide cost-effective waste management services for North London residents.

Council to Refresh Voluntary Sector Strategy Amidst Funding Cuts

The Cabinet is also scheduled to discuss a refresh of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Strategy and a redesign of the VCS Grants Programme. You can read the full report here. This comes at a time when the council is facing significant financial pressures, leading to cuts in grant funding for VCS organizations.

The VCS Strategy sets out the council's approach to working with the voluntary and community sector in Hackney. The refresh of the strategy is scheduled to focus on:

  • Ensuring the strategy aligns with the council's priorities.
  • Strengthening the council's relationship with the VCS.
  • Improving the effectiveness of VCS services.

The redesign of the VCS Grants Programme is scheduled to focus on:

  • Ensuring the programme is fair and transparent.
  • Targeting funding to the areas of greatest need.
  • Improving the monitoring and evaluation of grants.

With reduced funding available, the council faces difficult decisions about which VCS services to prioritize. The refresh of the VCS Strategy and redesign of the Grants Programme will be crucial in ensuring that limited resources are used effectively to support Hackney's most vulnerable residents.

Other Matters

  • Housing Improvement Plan: The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the Housing Improvement Plan and the council's response to the Housing Ombudsman. You can read the full report here.
  • Local Development Scheme: The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss an update to Hackney's Local Development Scheme (LDS). You can read the full report here.
  • Planning Documents: The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss several planning documents, including those related to residential and commercial extensions, as well as retrofitting. You can read the full report here.
  • Executive Response: The Cabinet is scheduled to note the executive response to the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission review into Supported Accommodation for Single Homeless People with Complex Needs. You can read the full report here.
  • General Exception Notices: The General Exception Notices meeting on 21 July 2025 will address the Council Housing Acquisition Programme and the Housing Improvement Plan. You can read the full report here.
  • Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission: The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. You can read the full report here.
  • Licensing Sub Committee E: The Hackney Council Licensing Sub Committee E is scheduled to convene on Monday 21 July 2025, to discuss a variation to a premises licence and temporary event notices. You can read the full report here.
  • Council: The Council will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. You can read the full report here.
  • Licensing Committee: The Hackney Council Licensing Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. You can read the full report here.
  • Licensing Sub Committee D: The Hackney Council Licensing Sub-Committee D is scheduled to convene to address licensing matters, including a premises licence variation, a new premises licence application, and a temporary event notice. You can read the full report here.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below.

Recent meetings
Licensing Sub Committee C

Licensing Sub Committee C - Tuesday 12 August 2025 7.00 pm

Hackney Council's Licensing Sub Committee C convened on 12 August 2025, addressing licensing matters within the borough. The committee approved the adoption of the Members’ Allowances Scheme 2025/26 and noted the LGPS Fit for the Future Update. Additionally, the committee addressed premises licence variations, including authorising property disposals and acquisitions, and granting a new lease to Disco Wheel Ltd.

August 12, 2025
Committee CANCELLED

Hackney Procurement Board - Tuesday 12 August 2025 2.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

August 12, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee D

Licensing Sub Committee D - Monday 4 August 2025 2.00 pm

Licensing Sub-Committee D convened to consider a new premises licence application for 323 Old Street, and to address temporary event notices. Councillor Richard Lufkin, Councillor Sem Moema, Mayoral Adviser Private Renting and Housing Affordability, and Councillor Joe Walker were present. The committee approved the recommendations of a report on treasury management.

August 04, 2025
Pensions Board

Pensions Board - Thursday 31 July 2025 10.00 am

The Pensions Board met to discuss the annual report, an update on the LGPS Fit for the Future Update, and a training session on the actuarial valuation. The Board agreed to review the draft annual report and present it at the next Pensions Committee meeting.

July 31, 2025
Planning Sub-Committee

Planning Sub-Committee - Wednesday 30 July 2025 6.30 pm

The Hackney Council Planning Sub-Committee met on 30 July 2025, and approved planning permission for the demolition of a garage and construction of new dwellings at Fanshaw House and for the erection of a bin store and planters at 72 Ashenden Road. The committee also noted a document of delegated decisions.

July 30, 2025
Pensions Committee

Pensions Committee - Tuesday 29 July 2025 6.30 pm

The Hackney Council Pensions Committee convened to discuss investment strategies, responsible investment, and the fund's overall performance. Key decisions included approving recommendations for investment strategy training, updating the voting policy, and endorsing the investment strategy review process. The committee also addressed the allocation of resources and future investment approaches, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and the fund's objectives.

July 29, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee B

Licensing Sub Committee B - Tuesday 29 July 2025 7.00 pm

This meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee B considered an application for a premises licence for Spaces Unlocked, 118 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3AY. The committee heard arguments both for and against the application, focusing on concerns about crime, public nuisance, and safety, before ultimately approving the recommendations.

July 29, 2025
Council

Council - Wednesday 23 July 2025 7.00 pm

The Hackney Council meeting on 23 July 2025 addressed violence against women and girls, community consultation, youth justice, members' allowances, and various reports. Councillors approved the Youth Justice Strategic Partnership Plan 2025-28, the Members’ Allowances Scheme 2025-26, and a motion to work together against violence towards women and girls. They also noted the Strategic Plan Update Report 2024/25, the Audit Committee Annual Report 2024-25, and the Licensing Committee Annual Report 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

July 23, 2025
Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission

Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 22 July 2025 7.00 pm

The Hackney Council Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met to discuss changes to A-level provision at New City College, and to hear evidence on behaviour management and school inclusion from the National Association of Headteachers, the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and local community organisations. The commission also agreed to add reviews of housing support for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and improving outcomes for young black boys and girls to their work programme.

July 22, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Monday 21 July 2025 6.00 pm

Here's a summary of the Hackney Council Cabinet meeting:

July 21, 2025
Upcoming meetings
General Exception Notices

General Exception Notice for report CED S397 Use of Hackney’s Household Support Fund AllocaAugust 2025 to be considered by Cabinet on 18 August 2025, General Exception Notices - Monday 18 August 2025 2.00 pm

August 18, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee E CANCELLED

Licensing Sub Committee E - Wednesday 20 August 2025 2.00 pm

August 20, 2025
General Exception Notices

General Exception Notice for AHI S610 Technology Enabled Living Service to be considered by Officer key decision 25 August 2025, General Exception Notices - Monday 25 August 2025 9.00 am

August 25, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee A

Licensing Sub Committee A - Thursday 28 August 2025 6.00 pm

August 28, 2025
Scrutiny Panel

Scrutiny Panel - Monday 1 September 2025 7.00 pm

September 01, 2025