The Licensing Sub Committee D of Hackney Council met on Monday 20 July 2026 to consider several applications for premises licences and a temporary event notice. The committee made decisions on all items discussed, including granting, refusing, or imposing conditions on the licences.

Temporary Event Notice for Inisa Empire, 115 Stoke Newington Road

The committee decided to serve a Counter Notice, effectively refusing the Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Inisa Empire at 115 Stoke Newington Road. The decision was made due to concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the potential for noise disturbance and public nuisance to nearby residents. The premises, which normally operates as a hairdresser, was seeking to sell alcohol and provide regulated entertainment and late-night refreshments until 3:00 AM on 25-26 July 2026. The committee noted that three noise complaints had been received from separate households on 28 June 2026, and despite the applicant providing a risk assessment, the police maintained their concerns about the impact of late-night noise. The committee felt that noise problems were likely to reoccur and that issuing a Counter Notice was necessary and proportionate to prevent public disorder and noise disturbance.

Application for Premises Licence at The Playroom, 75 Kingsland High Street

The committee considered an application for a premises licence for The Playroom, located in the basement at 75 Kingsland High Street. The application sought authorisation for recorded music until 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and the sale of alcohol until 2:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The Environmental Protection team withdrew their representation after agreeing on a set of conditions with the applicant. However, several local residents and the Rio Cross Residents Association submitted objections, primarily citing concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. These objections highlighted the premises' location within the Dalston Special Consideration Area and the potential for increased noise and anti-social behaviour in Gillett Square, which is already known for such issues. The committee also considered the applicant's history of using Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and their proposal to operate as a theatre and arts venue.

Application for Premises Licence at The Good Egg, 93 Stoke Newington Church Street

The committee heard an application for a premises licence for The Good Egg, a restaurant at 93 Stoke Newington Church Street. The application was essentially to replace a lapsed licence due to an administrative oversight. The applicant, Dak Dak Ltd, sought authorisation for recorded music until 11:30 PM and the sale of alcohol until 11:00 PM daily. The police and Environmental Health had no objections after agreed conditions were met. However, one resident, living directly above the premises, raised concerns about potential noise disturbance, particularly from music and late-night alcohol sales, impacting their quality of life and sleep. The applicant clarified that the application was not seeking to extend previous hours and proposed additional conditions to address the resident's concerns, including background music only, keeping doors and windows closed during music, restricting bottle disposal times, and providing a direct management contact. The committee considered the resident's objection and the applicant's assurances and proposed conditions.

Application for Premises Licence at Unit 4, 1 Bouverie Road

The committee considered an application for a premises licence for Unit 4, 1 Bouverie Road. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from Wednesday to Sunday, with proposed hours extending to 10:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays. The police withdrew their representation after agreed conditions. However, seven representations were received from local residents, primarily objecting on the grounds of public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. Residents expressed concerns about noise and disturbance from the proposed establishment, citing existing issues with a nearby brewery operation in the same courtyard. They argued that the proposed hours and outdoor activities would exacerbate noise levels and negatively impact the residential character of the street. The applicants, Frank Guest and Georgia Laheef, presented their case, highlighting their experience as chefs and their intention to run a small, food-focused eatery. They proposed a comprehensive set of conditions to address the residents' concerns, including restrictions on vertical drinking, noise management, and waste disposal. The committee deliberated on the application, considering the applicant's proposals and the residents' objections.