The Licensing Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 27 July 2021 to consider applications for variations to premises licences and new premises licences. The committee heard representations regarding Iberian Connections and Travel Goods, and ultimately decided to grant the variation for Iberian Connections while postponing a decision on Travel Goods. The committee also agreed to extend decision deadlines for several other applications.

Iberian Connections Premises Licence Variation

The committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for Iberian Connections, located at 2 to 10 Ezra Street, London E2 7RH. The existing licence, held since August 2010, allows for the supply of alcohol for off-sales on Sundays between 8 am and 3 pm. The variation sought to alter the floor plan, extend Sunday alcohol service hours to 5 pm, add seasonal variations for Christmas markets, and introduce new conditions.

Connor Pearson, representing Iberian Connections, explained that the business, a family-run food and drink establishment known locally as Oyster Boy, has operated on Ezra Street for 15 years. He highlighted the transformation of Ezra Street into a vibrant area with cafe culture, attributing this in part to businesses like his. Pearson stated that the business had never received a complaint and that 12 temporary event notices (TENs) had been granted over the preceding three months for extended hours until 5 pm without issue. He argued that the variation was a reasonable request driven by customer demand and the need for business survival post-COVID.

Christopher Shepard, a local resident of Ezra Street, objected to the application. While acknowledging the positive aspects of Iberian Connections, Shepard expressed concern about the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area, which he described as having become a drinking destination. He argued that increased alcohol availability contributes to antisocial behaviour, citing instances of public urination and noise. Shepard urged the committee to consider applications in the context of the wider neighbourhood and not in isolation, suggesting that the area had reached its limit for licensed premises.

Councillor Amina Ali questioned the impact of extending hours by two hours, given that other venues already operated later. Councillor Victoria Obaze asked Christopher Shepard about the specific impact of the two-hour extension. Corinne Holland, the Licensing Officer, confirmed that no complaints had been received regarding the 12 TENs and that Ezra Street was not within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).

Following deliberation, the committee decided to grant the variation for Iberian Connections.

Travel Goods Premises Licence Application

The committee then considered an application for a new premises licence for Travel Goods, located at 79 Wentworth Street, London E1 7TD. The application proposed converting the ground floor and basement from retail use to a bar and restaurant with outside seating. The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol were Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to midnight, and Sunday until 10:30 pm.

Barry Holland, the legal representative for the applicant, presented the case, emphasizing that the venue would be a small, food-led restaurant with a maximum capacity of 50, and no music. He highlighted that the applicant had agreed to a suite of conditions with the Metropolitan Police and had reduced the proposed hours. Holland argued that the premises would not adversely affect public nuisance, noting the absence of objections from the police or local residents. Andy Newman, also representing the applicant, stated that a well-managed premises of this nature would help reduce risk in the area.

Kathy Driver, representing the Licensing Authority, raised concerns about the outside seating area, particularly its proposed use until 11 pm, noting that standard pavement licences typically finish at 9 pm. She also questioned the need for a private room in the basement, suggesting it could be used for private parties. Nicola Cadzow from Environmental Health echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the premises were located within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and that the proposed hours and outside seating could lead to increased noise complaints and public nuisance. She noted insufficient information in the operating schedule regarding the promotion of the public nuisance licensing objective.

Councillor Victoria Obaze questioned the applicant about the number of customers and how they would be monitored, and whether alcohol consumption could be restricted to 9 pm for the outside area. Councillor Amina Ali inquired about the use of the private room in the basement and the safety implications of a late licence in a poorly lit area. The applicant's representatives explained that the premises would be food-led, with alcohol being ancillary, and that security measures, including CCTV and staff presence, would be in place. They also discussed plans to improve the lighting and appearance of the surrounding area.

The committee did not reach a decision on the Travel Goods application at this meeting and it was postponed.

Extension of Decision Deadlines

The committee agreed to extend decision deadlines for several applications until 30 September 2021. These included applications for Crabby Rums Bar (Arch 411, London E3), Oval Space (29 to 32, The Oval, London E2), Disgust Station (21 Ezra Street, London E2), and La Luna Italia (43A Commercial Street, London E1).