The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee refused the application for Greens n Grains on Brick Lane due to concerns about public nuisance and granted the application for PFC Watney Market on Commercial Road with modified hours and conditions.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Greens n Grains, 37 Brick Lane, London E1 6PU

The Sub-Committee considered an application by Oriental Cuisine Ltd. for a new premises licence for Greens n Grains, located at 37 Brick Lane, London E1 6PU. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment for indoor consumption between 23:00 and 05:00 hours daily.

The application was met with objections from the Licensing Authority and the Noise Service, primarily due to the premises' location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). Representatives from these authorities argued that the requested hours would likely exacerbate public nuisance, particularly for residents living above the premises. They highlighted concerns about noise from delivery drivers, potential congregation of customers, and the general impact of operating such late hours in an already sensitive area.

Crucially, the applicant failed to attend the hearing, and no representative appeared on their behalf. Despite attempts to contact the applicant, no one was present. The Sub-Committee decided to proceed with the application in the applicant's absence.

After considering the representations and the applicant's failure to attend or provide any mitigation, the Sub-Committee unanimously resolved to REFUSE the application. The decision was based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate that the premises would not add to the cumulative impact on the Brick Lane CIZ and the likely increase in public nuisance.

Application for a New Premises Licence for PFC Watney Market, 273 Commercial Road, London E1 2PS

The Sub-Committee then considered an application by Mohammed Afruz Miah for a new premises licence for PFC Watney Market, located at 273 Commercial Road, London E1 2PS. The application sought authorisation for late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 04:00 hours seven days a week.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority and the Noise Service, both objecting on the grounds of potential public nuisance. The applicant's current licence permits late-night refreshment until 01:00 hours on Thursdays to Saturdays and midnight from Sundays to Wednesdays.

Mr. Miah, the applicant, explained that the extended hours were requested to meet customer demand, particularly from late-working individuals, and to improve the financial viability of the business due to increased rent. He stated that he had been operating until 01:00 hours without issue and that neighbouring businesses operated later hours. He also highlighted his personal security training and experience in managing difficult situations.

Kathy Driver, representing the Licensing Authority, expressed concerns about the proposed hours being significantly outside the Council's framework hours and the potential for increased noise and disturbance to nearby residential properties. She noted that the applicant had not agreed to a reduced terminal hour offered by the Licensing Authority. Ono O'Leary, representing Environmental Protection, echoed these concerns, emphasising the need for robust evidence of mitigation measures to prevent public nuisance.

After extensive discussion, during which Mr. Miah indicated a willingness to compromise on hours, the Sub-Committee reached a decision. They acknowledged the applicant's track record but found that the requested hours were substantially outside the framework hours and lacked sufficient evidence of mitigation for public nuisance. The Sub-Committee did not accept the applicant's assertion about the nature of nearby residential properties and noted the potential for noise from patrons parking and congregating.

The Sub-Committee GRANTED the application in part, with modified hours and additional conditions. The revised hours for late-night refreshment are from 23:00 to 01:00 hours Sunday to Thursday, and 23:00 to 02:30 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises' opening hours will align with these revised refreshment times. Several conditions were imposed, including requirements for CCTV, an incident log, and notices requesting patrons to leave quietly.

Extension of Decision Deadlines

The Sub-Committee also agreed to extend the decision deadlines for a significant number of applications to 30 September 2026. These included applications related to the Wickside development, various properties on McGrath Place, Lock Road, Market Walk, Hepscott Road, Broadwalk, Davey Square, and several other named premises across Tower Hamlets.