The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee refused the application for Café Lavista on Brick Lane due to concerns about public nuisance and crime and disorder within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone. For The Original Crispy Cod on Watney Street, the committee granted the licence with amended hours and conditions, including a prohibition on delivery services after 23:00.

Café Lavista, 15 Brick Lane, London E1 6PU

The Sub-Committee refused the application for a new premises licence for Café Lavista, located at 15 Brick Lane, London E1 6PU, which sought permission to provide late-night refreshment indoors from 23:00 to 02:00 seven days a week. The application was opposed by the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health (Noise) Services, a residents' association, and several local residents.

The primary concerns raised by objectors centred on the premises' location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and the requested hours extending beyond the council's framework hours. Representations highlighted the potential for public nuisance from patrons coming and going, loitering outside, and noise from delivery drivers. Residents expressed worries about increased disturbance, antisocial behaviour, and a detrimental impact on their quality of life.

Mohammed Zia Uddin, representing the applicant, stated that the late hours were sought to expand the business and improve profitability, noting that the premises would operate on a delivery-only basis after 23:00. However, during questioning, it became apparent that Mr. Uddin did not fully understand the implications of the Brick Lane CIZ policy, which creates a presumption against granting licences that could add to existing problems in the area. The Sub-Committee concluded that the applicant had not demonstrated sufficient understanding or provided adequate measures to rebut this presumption, leading to the refusal of the licence.

The Original Crispy Cod, 139 Watney Street, London, E1 2QE

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for The Original Crispy Cod, located at 139 Watney Street, London E1 2QE, with amended hours and conditions. The application sought authorisation for late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 02:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 23:00 to 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health (Noise) Service, and six local residents, primarily concerned with the prevention of public nuisance and the extended hours falling outside the council's framework hours. Conditions had been agreed with the Police.

Shueb Uddin and his business partner, Amin Miah, representing the applicant, engaged in discussions with the responsible authorities. They agreed to reduced hours, with the premises operating until 00:30 Sunday to Thursday and 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. The main point of contention was a condition to restrict the premises to takeaway-only after midnight. The applicants argued that allowing patrons to dine in would provide better control over noise and waste management.

After considering the representations and the applicant's arguments, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence with amendments. Crucially, a condition was imposed prohibiting the operation of a delivery service, either directly or through third-party providers, from 23:00 hours onwards. This was intended to mitigate concerns about the congregation of delivery drivers and associated noise and nuisance. The premises will be permitted to operate as a restaurant or for takeaway/collection until the agreed terminal hours.

The granted licence includes the following hours:

• Provision of late night refreshment: Sunday to Thursday 23:00 to 00:30; Friday and Saturday 23:00 to 02:30.
• Hours the premises are open to the public: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 to 00:30; Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 02:30.

A comprehensive list of conditions was imposed, including requirements for CCTV, an incident log, staff training in conflict management and safeguarding, and a dispersal policy.

Extension of Decision Deadline

The Sub-Committee also agreed to extend the decision deadlines for two applications: Pasta Evangelists at 121 Bethnal Green Road and Red Brick House at 90 Brick Lane, London E1 6RL, both until 31 October 2026.