Decision

The Licensing Sub-Committee, in considering this decision from the information presented to them within the report and at the hearing and having regard to the promotion of the licensing objectives:

·  The prevention of crime and disorder

·  Public safety

·  Prevention of public nuisance

·  The protection of children from harm

The application for a premises licence has been approved in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Licensing and the proposed conditions set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report.

The hours of licensable activity were approved with the following:

Recorded Music

Friday    23:00-02:00

Saturday    23:00-02:00

Non-Standard Hours

On any day immediately preceding a bank holiday hours are extended to 02:00

the following day.

Supply of Alcohol

Monday    12:00 - 23:00

Tuesday    12:00 - 23:00

Wednesday  12:00 - 23:00

Thursday    12:00 - 23:00

Friday    12:00 - 01:30

Saturday    12:00 - 01:30

Sunday    12:00 - 23:00

Non-Standard Hours

On any day immediately preceding a bank holiday hours are extended to 01:30

the following day.

Opening Hours

Monday    12:00 - 23:15

Tuesday    12:00 - 23:15

Wednesday  12:00 - 23:15

Thursday    12:00 - 23:15

Friday    12:00 - 02:00

Saturday    12:00 - 02:00

Sunday    12:00 - 23:15

Non-Standard Hours

On any day immediately preceding a bank holiday hours are extended to 02:00

the following day.

Amend Condition 27 to read as follows:

“There shall be no consumption of alcohol in the area shown on the plan

 as the inner courtyard after 23:00".

Amend Condition 12 on the report to read as follows:

"The Premises Licence Holder shall submit a written Dispersal Policy to the Licensing Authority and the Police. The Dispersal Policy shall be implemented at the premises. All staff shall be briefed on this dispersal policy. A copy of the policy shall be kept on the premises and shall be produced to a Police officer or other authorised officer upon request”.

And add the following condition to the licence:

The premises shall provide a dedicated contact email address and telephone number for local residents to raise concern upon request. Any complaint received shall be recorded in the incident/refusals log and made available to authorised officers on request.

Reasons for the decision

The application for a premises licence has been approved as members of the Licensing Sub-Committee were satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined. 

The Sub-Committee took into account that the Environmental Protection Service made a representation on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. The Sub-Committee took into consideration that there were 6 objections from local residents. The Sub-Committee noted that there were no representations from the other Responsible Authorities.

The Sub-Committee heard that the Applicant had carried out soundproofing at the premises. The Applicant confirmed that the capacity of the premises is a maximum of 60 people.

The Sub-Committee heard that the Applicant tried to engage with the local residents. The Sub-Committee took into consideration that the Applicant is an experienced operator who has been operating other premises since 2024. The Sub-Committee took into consideration that the Applicant agreed to a condition to provide contact details to local residents to report any issues.

The Sub-Committee took into consideration local residents of Gillette Square, the Gillette Residents Association, and the Rio Residents Association who objected to the application. The Sub-Committee heard that the entrance to the premises is not on the High Street. It is on Gillette Square which is in close proximity to local residents. The residents raised concerns about drug use, violence, safety and litter resulting in a big clear up often needed the next morning. Local residents are badly affected by the noise impact. The local residents felt that the premises would be operating as a club. The closing of the doors needed monitoring to prevent disturbance late at night.

The Applicant's agent contended that the alleyway is a mess when the premises are not operating. The Applicant wanted to open to support players and actors. This prevents the alleyway and the area around the premises being used for antisocial behaviour. It was noted that there was only one entrance and exit from the premises.

The Sub-Committee took into account that the Applicant agreed to a condition

of no consumption of alcohol in the courtyard after 23:00 hours.

The Sub-Committee felt more engagement with local residents was needed.

The Sub-Committee felt that the premises would contribute to the security and safety of the area around Gillette Place.

Having taken all of the above factors into consideration the Sub-Committee was satisfied that by granting the premises licence the licensing objectives would not be undermined.

Public Informative

The Premises Licence Holder is further reminded of the need to operate the premises according to any current planning permission relating to its use class and conditions

It also should be noted for the public record that the Local Planning Authority should draw no inference or be bound by this decision with regard to any future planning application which may be made.

The Premises Licence Holder is advised to take up staff training such as WAVE, Ask For Angela and Hackney Nights. Principal Licensing Officer introduced the application for a premises licence for Playroom (Basement) 75 Kingsland High Street, Hackney, London E8 2PB to authorise recorded music and the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises from Monday to Sunday. The Sub-Committee heard from the applicant. Environmental Protection withdrawn their representation after proposing conditions were agreed with the applicant. The Planning Authority were not in attendance, but they had issued a planning informative which reminded the Premises Licence Holder that they could not officially operate under the licence conditions, if granted, until the proper planning permissions were in place. Other Persons were in attendance speaking in objection to the application on the grounds of Public Safety and The Prevention of Public Nuisance.