The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday, 25 January 2024, to consider three applications for new premises licences. The committee granted one licence with amendments and conditions, refused another, and noted the withdrawal of a third application.

Application for a Premises Licence for (Carwash), 1 Quaker Street, London E1 6SZ

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Carwash at 1 Quaker Street, London E1 6SZ, which sought authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises only, with proposed hours from 11:00 to 23:00 daily. The application received representations from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, the Metropolitan Police, and local residents, primarily concerning the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly due to the premises' location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).

Mr. Damon Borley, the applicant, and his agent, Mr. Denny, explained that the venue was intended as an event hire space, not a public bar or club, and that alcohol sales would be limited and ancillary to events. They offered to reduce the terminal hour to 22:30 and discussed measures for noise monitoring and risk assessments.

However, Randall Thiel, representing the residents' group SPIRE, expressed concern that the applicant did not fully appreciate the challenges of operating within the CIZ. Nicola Cadzow from Environmental Health highlighted concerns about noise breakout, particularly as music would not be regulated under the Live Music Act 2012, allowing for DJs until 23:00. Ms. Driver from the Licensing Authority questioned how the applicant could guarantee no negative impact on the CIZ.

During questioning, Mr. Borley clarified that vertical drinking was not intended and that the venue had limited toilet facilities. He explained that events would likely be weekly, lasting one to three days.

The Sub-Committee noted that the premises, with a capacity of around 120 patrons, did not fall within the stated exceptions in the Council's policy for venues within a CIZ. While acknowledging the applicant's intentions and offered conditions, the Sub-Committee found that the potential for noise nuisance from patrons, exacerbated by alcohol, would be difficult to control. They also considered the risk of patrons leaving the premises and contributing to the saturation of the CIZ, potentially leading to crime and disorder. Consequently, the Sub-Committee concluded that the only appropriate and proportionate decision was to refuse the application.

Application for a New Premise Licence for Princelyn Grocery & Restaurant, 477 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 9QH

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Princelyn Grocery & Restaurant at 477 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 9QH. The application originally sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment, with proposed hours extending to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Objections were raised by Environmental Health and the Licensing Authority, citing concerns about public nuisance and the premises' location within the Bethnal Green Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).

Ms. Abara, representing the applicant, confirmed that non-standard timings had been withdrawn and that the applicant was aware of the CIZ. She noted the absence of other representations. Ms. Cadzow from Environmental Health expressed concerns about the CIZ implications and requested that any proposed conditions be imposed. She also suggested further conditions related to taxi bookings, quiet departure notices, and a limit on outdoor smokers. Ms. Holland from the Licensing Authority echoed concerns about the CIZ and the lack of specific detail in the operating schedule, although she acknowledged that proposals such as table service and no vertical drinking addressed some issues.

Members inquired about the nature of events, and it was explained that the venue would be available for hire for small, family-oriented gatherings, primarily for the local African community. The applicant indicated a willingness to accept framework hours if considered more appropriate and noted that the grocery and restaurant had been operating without issue until 23:30.

The Sub-Committee determined that the application was modest and that the applicant's willingness to modify the application and accept conditions mitigated concerns about impacting the CIZ. The reduction in hours, acceptance of conditions, and the nature of the premises allowed the Sub-Committee to grant the application as an exception to the CIZ policy.

The application was granted with amendments and conditions, including specific hours for alcohol sales, late-night refreshment, and public opening times. Conditions were imposed covering CCTV, staff training, incident logs, sealed containers for off-sales, keeping doors and windows closed during entertainment, taxi arrangements, quiet departure notices, a Challenge 25 scheme, refused sales records, underage sales training, age verification for deliveries, alcohol sales ancillary to meals, and no vertical drinking.

Application for a New Premise Licence for Bar Ceylon, Basement & Ground Floor 57 Commercial Street London E1 6BD - WITHDRAWN

This application was withdrawn by the applicant.

Extension of Decision Deadline: Licensing Act 2003

The Sub-Committee may have been requested to extend decision deadlines for applications due to the volume of cases. Details were to be provided at the meeting.

The meeting concluded at 8:25 p.m.