The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 10 April 2024 to consider an application to vary a premises licence for Bank Food & Drink. The committee granted the application with modifications and additional conditions.

Bank Food & Drink Premises Licence Variation

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for Bank Food & Drink, located at 75 The Broadway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 3BX. The application sought to extend the hours for the supply of alcohol and to add the playing of live and recorded music.

The application was met with two representations: one from the Council's Scientific Services Team and another from a local resident, Mr Naim Gecaj. Both objections were based on the potential for increased noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour, impacting the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance, crime and disorder, protecting children from harm, and ensuring public safety.

The Scientific Services Team, represented by Ms Anna Cane, expressed concerns that the extended hours would lead to excessive noise, particularly as the premises is located near residential properties. They noted that previous measures to mitigate noise were not adequate and that the premises would be the only venue operating with later hours in the immediate vicinity.

Mr Gecaj, a local resident, detailed how noise from the premises had significantly impacted his family's sleep, affecting his son's school attendance and his own employment. He described instances of noise from customers and staff, and issues with a commercial fan installed near his property.

The applicant, Mr Armando Lusha, represented by Mr Anestis Skoupras, argued that the extended hours were necessary to make the business financially viable. He stated that significant investment, around £15,000, had been made in soundproofing the premises, including works to the roof and walls, and that better soundproofing windows had been installed. The applicant also confirmed that signage had been placed to encourage customers to leave quietly and that they were willing to implement further recommendations.

The Sub-Committee deliberated on the application and, after considering all representations and relevant guidance, resolved to grant the application to vary the premises licence. However, the decision was subject to modifications to the proposed hours and the imposition of several additional conditions.

The modified hours for the supply of alcohol and the playing of live and recorded music are:

• Monday to Thursday: 10:00 to 23:30
• Friday to Saturday: 10:00 to 00:30
• Sunday: 10:00 to 23:30

The hours the premises will be open to the public are:

• Monday to Thursday: 10:00 to 00:00
• Friday to Saturday: 10:00 to 01:00
• Sunday: 10:00 to 00:00

Key additional conditions imposed on the licence include:

• The premises must be insulated to prevent excessive noise transmission to neighbouring dwellings, with works approved by the Council's Consumer and Public Protection Department.
• An acoustic report from an independent acoustician must be submitted to assess further noise and vibration mitigation.
• A noise limiter must be fitted to the musical amplification system, set at a level agreed with the Council's Consumer and Public Protection Department.
• The rear fire door must be constructed to provide sound insulation.
• Notices must be displayed at all exits requesting patrons to leave quietly.
• Persons leaving to smoke will not be permitted to take drinks outside.
• A minimum of two SIA door supervisors will be on duty on Friday and Saturday evenings from 10 pm until 30 minutes after closing, to manage customer dispersal and prevent congregation outside the premises.

The Sub-Committee reminded the applicant that breaches of these conditions could lead to a review or revocation of the licence. The decision was made in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 and the guidance issued under section 182 of that Act.

The meeting also included the appointment of Councillor Emma Whysall as Chair for the meeting. The Sub-Committee followed its established Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure. The press and public were excluded for deliberations, with the decision announced afterwards.