The Licensing Sub Committee A of Islington Council met on Tuesday 09 June 2026 to consider a range of licensing matters. The meeting's agenda included the review of a premises licence for The World's End and a variation application for The Chocolate Cocktail Club.

Premises Licence Review: The World's End, 21-23 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EF

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to a review of the premises licence for The World's End. The report pack indicated that this review was prompted by concerns regarding public nuisance, specifically noise disturbances. The agenda outlined that the committee would consider representations from various parties, including the applicant for the review, the Licensing Authority, and the Noise Team. The premises licence holder and their legal representative were also scheduled to present their case.

The report pack detailed that the applicant for the review had raised concerns about noise and vibrations emanating from the pub, impacting their wellbeing. They highlighted that the property was adjoined to the pub and felt it was operating as if it were a purpose-built entertainment space. The applicant's primary requests included the removal of deregulated provisions under the Live Music Act 2003, addressing anti-social behaviour, and considering guidance regarding disturbances to adjoining properties.

The Licensing Authority's representation was expected to focus on the ongoing noise nuisance, noting that despite engagement, a Section 18 notice had been served in October 2025, indicating a significant nuisance. The Noise Team's input was anticipated to detail their engagement with the premises since January 2025, including visits, recommendations for sound limiters, and issues with acoustic reports.

In contrast, the premises licence holder and their legal representative were expected to argue that the pub had been on the site for over 150 years and that previous complaints had not resulted in substantiated findings of public nuisance. They were likely to present evidence of noise mitigation measures undertaken and highlight that live music was a significant part of the premises' identity.

The report pack indicated that the committee would deliberate on whether to modify the conditions on the premises licence, potentially including the removal of deregulation provisions for regulated entertainment.

Premises Licence Variation: The Chocolate Cocktail Club, 72 St John Street, London, EC1M 4DT

The committee was also scheduled to consider a variation application for a premises licence for The Chocolate Cocktail Club. The application sought to reduce the hours of operation on Fridays and Saturdays and to allow for Sunday opening.

The report pack indicated that the application had initially received representations from local residents concerned about noise disturbances, particularly on Sundays. Residents were expected to highlight that the building was a listed building, making remediation for noise challenging, and that they were seeking a professional acoustic assessment before any variation was granted. They also expressed concerns about other families in the block being traumatised by noise disturbances.

The applicant was expected to present their case for the variation, explaining that the reduced hours and Sunday opening were necessary for the financial viability of the business. They were likely to state that they had endeavoured to follow up on concerns raised during mediation meetings and had implemented measures such as a door closer and were seeking to install it. The applicant was also expected to mention that the speakers were installed prior to them obtaining the lease and that they had not elicited formal complaints since commencing operations in 2021. They were expected to be open to additional conditions, such as signage reminding patrons to be quiet outside and a contact number for residents.

The report pack also noted that the Police and Pollution teams had withdrawn their representations, and additional conditions had been agreed, including measures to prevent noise disturbances.

Other Formal Matters

The meeting was also scheduled to cover formal matters at the beginning of the proceedings, including introductions, apologies for absence, declarations of substitute members, and declarations of interest. The committee would also consider the order of business and the minutes of the previous meeting. Provisions were also made for urgent non-exempt items and the exclusion of the public and press if necessary.