The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Thursday 16 April 2026 and granted a premises licence to East London Brewing Company. The decision followed consideration of an application for the licence, which included requests for extended opening hours and the provision of recorded music.

East London Brewing Company Premises Licence Application

The Sub-Committee granted the application for a premises licence for East London Brewing Company, located at Unit 2, Lockwood Way, Walthamstow, E17 5RB. The licence permits the supply of alcohol, films, and public opening hours from Sunday to Wednesday 09:00-22:00 and Thursday to Saturday 09:00-24:00. Recorded music will be allowed from Thursday to Saturday between 23:00 and 24:00. Non-standard timings were also approved for New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, and the Sundays before the Early May, Spring, and Summer bank holidays, generally allowing operations until midnight or later on New Year's Day.

The decision was made in full, with one amendment to the applicant's proposed Condition 1, which now requires a clearly legible sign with contact details for complaints to be displayed outside the premises. The Sub-Committee also recommended that the applicant consult with the Environmental Health team regarding the potential installation of a sound limiter on the premises' speakers.

The application had received six representations from local residents, primarily concerned with the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder. These residents, including Ms Diana Blofeld, Ms Lesley Wilson, Ms Kate Tuck, and Mr Jonathan Reid-Edwards, voiced significant concerns about noise pollution from existing venues on Lockwood Way and the potential for increased disturbance from the East London Brewing Company, particularly regarding outdoor music. They highlighted the negative impact on their quality of life, ability to enjoy their gardens, sleep, and the local wildlife in the adjacent Walthamstow Wetlands¹.

Mr Ronald Finch, the applicant, and his agent, Mr Rhys John Rose, presented evidence that the East London Brewing Company has been operating since 2011 and that the application sought to reinstate a previous licence with an additional hour for recorded music. They emphasised Mr Finch's experience as an operator and his commitment to being a responsible member of the community.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-Committee considered the applicant's proposed conditions, which included displaying a sign with contact details for complaints, posting letters to nearby residents every six months with complaint information, and ensuring no regulated entertainment outdoors after 22:00. The Sub-Committee noted the absence of representations from Responsible Authorities. The reasoning for the decision highlighted the applicant's experience, the proposed conditions, and the aim to promote the licensing objectives.