Decision

Application to Vary a Premises Licence – Bar A Bar, 133-135 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 8BT – REFUSAL

The decision of 30th July 2026

The Licensing Sub-Committee in considering this decision from the information presented to it within the report and at the hearing today has determined that having regard to the promotion of all the licensing objectives:

·  The prevention of crime and disorder;

·  Public safety;

·  Prevention of public nuisance;

·  The protection of children from harm;

the application to vary a premises licence has been refused in accordance with Licensing Policies LP1, LP2, LP3, and LP6 within the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy.

Reasons for the decision

The Licensing Sub-Committee, having heard from the Police, and Other Persons (local residents), believed that granting the application would result in the licensing objectives being undermined.

The Sub-Committee heard representations from the Applicant’s Manager that they rely on the hours and conditions set out in the licensing report and that it is a busy venue. The Sub-Committee noted that it is a grassroots venue operating for 20 years and this extension will help sustain the premises going forward. The Sub-Committee noted that the Applicant’s Manager made a representation that they have taken steps to resolve the issues that have been raised. The Sub-Committee noted that they will have 2 - 3 SIA security door staff, a Designated Premises Supervisor and a manager on each night. There will be roughly 6 - 8 members of staff on any given night to run the venue. At the end of the night there is a cleaner to clear litter from outside the premises.

The Sub-Committee heard that the Police had concerns about the management which undermined their confidence in the premises, and issues around alleged incidents where they did not close the premises when agreed previously. The Sub-Committee noted that the Police wanted to see the hours reduced and a dispersal policy at the premises which they currently do not have. The Police also made representations that the premises was hired out as a venue to third-party and it was unclear how the licensee managed this activity. The Police confirmed that they had no communication with the Designated Premises Supervisor.

The Sub-Committee heard from local residents that at least 30 people are outside beyond 01:00 causing noise and the premises fail to manage customers outside although it was also noted that CCTV suggested this number was smaller. The Sub-Committee noted that local residents have no confidence in the management of the premises that they are able to take control of and resolve the issues. They were disappointed by the Premises License Holders lack of concern about public safety and the impact on the area.

The Sub-Committee after hearing the representations felt that the management of the premises was not satisfactory, and they took the representations of local residents very seriously about the unacceptable disturbance and the large number of people permitted in the outside areas late at night.

The Sub-Committee felt that the premises were not able to describe their Management structure and were unable to demonstrate why they should be granted an extension. The Sub-committee felt that some submissions from the Police related to an occasion where there was a band rehearsal so this did not form part of its decision.

The Sub-Committee took into consideration the capacity of the premises, the unacceptable levels of noise late at night that had an impact on local residents, poor management and that there was no dispersal policy, and no evidence of a management structure. The Sub-Committee felt the premises managers did not appear to understand the licensing regime and what was required to comply with the licensing objectives.

The Sub-Committee took into consideration when refusing this application that each case is considered on its merits. The Sub-Committee believed that the licensing objectives could not be promoted by granting this variation application, and as such it decided to refuse the application in its entirety.