The Licensing Sub-Committee of Enfield Council was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for House of Gaffe Ltd, located at Unit H, 1 Anthony Way, London, N18 3QT. The meeting's agenda included the consideration of this application, which involves various licensable activities including the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and the provision of recorded music.

Application for a New Premises Licence: House of Gaffe Ltd

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for House of Gaffe Ltd, situated at Unit H, 1 Anthony Way, London, N18 3QT, in the Upper Edmonton ward. The applicant, House of Gaffe Ltd, sought permission for a range of licensable activities.

The proposed operating hours for the sale of alcohol included Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, Friday from 10:00 to 06:30 the following day, Saturday from 10:00 to 07:30 the following day, and Sunday from 10:00 to 00:30. Non-standard timings were requested for bank holidays and the preceding days, allowing for alcohol sales from 10:00 to 08:00 the following day. Late-night refreshment was proposed to be available Monday to Sunday from 23:00 to 05:00. Recorded music (indoors and outdoors) was proposed to be permitted on Thursdays from 18:00 to 23:00, Fridays from 18:00 to 07:00 the following day, Saturdays from 10:00 to 08:00 the following day, and Sundays from 10:00 to 00:00. Non-standard timings for recorded music were also requested for bank holidays and the preceding days, from 10:00 to 08:00 the following day. The premises' opening hours were proposed to be Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, Friday from 10:00 to 07:30 the following day, Saturday from 10:00 to 08:30 the following day, and Sunday from 10:00 to 00:30.

The application detailed the premises as a large two-storey warehouse unit with an outdoor courtyard, intended to function as a cultural space, workspace, and event venue. The applicant provided an Event Safety Management Plan, Dispersal Policy, Risk Assessment, Emergency Evacuation Plan, and Staff Handbook to outline proposed operational procedures.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police and the Enfield Licensing Authority. Both raised concerns regarding the proposed operating hours, citing potential increases in crime and disorder, public nuisance, and risks to public safety, particularly due to the premises' proximity to the River Lea. The Metropolitan Police also highlighted concerns about the area's existing crime statistics and the potential strain on policing resources. The Licensing Authority recommended reduced terminal hours, suggesting a finish time of 04:00 on Fridays and Saturdays for opening hours, and 03:30 for alcohol sales and recorded music.

The applicant, House of Gaffe Ltd, submitted written representations arguing that their proposed later hours are essential for the financial viability of the project, which aims to subsidise daytime creative workspace operations. They highlighted their eight-month operating history under Temporary Event Notices (TENs) without significant incident, their destination-led, music-focused audience profile, and the staggered dispersal model facilitated by later closing times aligning with public transport availability. They also provided a noise assessment report indicating that music noise was not audible at nearby sensitive properties during events. The applicant proposed a set of conditions to promote the licensing objectives and suggested amendments to some of the conditions proposed by the responsible authorities, particularly regarding the number of door supervisors and the application of ID scanning.

Supplementary reports indicated that the applicant had submitted further information, including amended conditions that were still under mediation with responsible authorities, and additional written submissions. Further TEN applications were also noted, indicating ongoing activity at the premises. The applicant also indicated a willingness to consider a time-limited licence of three years.