The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council is scheduled to consider two applications for new premises licences. These applications are for businesses located on Brick Lane and Commercial Road, both of which are within areas subject to specific licensing policies due to cumulative impact.

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

The committee is scheduled to review an application for a new premises licence for Greens n Grains, located at 37 Brick Lane, London E1 6PU. The applicant, Oriental Cuisine Ltd, is seeking authorisation for the provision of late-night refreshment indoors from 11:00 to 05:00 the following day, seven days a week. The premises would be open to the public until 22:00, with late-night operations solely for online delivery.

Representations have been received from Environmental Protection and the Licensing Authority (RA). Both objectors raise concerns related to the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)^[1], citing potential noise disturbance from patron dispersal, access and egress, and the congregation of delivery drivers and idling vehicles. The Environmental Protection submission highlights that the proposed hours exceed the council's framework hours and that insufficient information has been provided regarding noise control measures, particularly for residents living above the premises. The Licensing Authority's representation also notes the location within the CIZ and the extended hours, suggesting that the applicant must demonstrate that granting the licence will not negatively impact the licensing objectives.

The report pack indicates that the applicant has offered measures in their operating schedule, including CCTV installation, staff training, and discouragement of loitering. However, the representations suggest these measures may not be sufficient to address the concerns raised, especially given the CIZ policy which creates a strong statement of intent that applications are likely to be refused unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.^[2]

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

The committee is also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for PFC Watney Market, located at 273 Commercial Road, London E1 2PS. The applicant, Mohammed Afruz Miah, is seeking authorisation for the provision of late-night refreshment indoors from 23:00 to 04:00 the following day, seven days a week. The premises would be open to the public during these hours.

Representations have been lodged by Environmental Protection and the Licensing Authority (RA). Environmental Protection objects on the grounds of noise disturbance in a residential area, citing concerns about patron dispersal, access and egress, and the proposed closing times exceeding other licensed venues. The Licensing Authority (RA) notes that the current licence for PFC Watney Market authorises late-night refreshment until 01:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays and midnight on Sundays to Wednesdays. The proposed hours represent a significant extension beyond both the current licence and the council's framework hours.

The Licensing Authority's representation suggests that while they do not object to the entire application due to a lack of recorded complaints against the current licence, they are making a representation against the proposed hours. They propose a reduction in hours for late-night refreshment to 01:00 on Sundays to Thursdays and 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. They also propose the imposition of conditions relating to CCTV, incident logs, and ensuring orderly queues and preventing customer congregation outside the premises. Environmental Protection's representation highlights the proximity of residential premises and the potential for noise and anti-social behaviour due to patrons being in high spirits during the late hours sought.

The report pack indicates that the applicant has offered measures in their operating schedule, but these were deemed not enforceable by Environmental Protection. The existing licence for PFC Watney Market includes conditions related to CCTV and preventing public nuisance outside the premises.^[3]

The committee will also note the rules of procedure governing licensing sub-committee meetings and consider any apologies for absence.^[4]