The Licensing Sub Committee of Haringey Council met on Tuesday 7th May 2024 to consider two applications for variations to existing premises licences. The committee granted a new premises licence for Traditional Cafe and Tea House, subject to several conditions, and also granted a variation to the premises licence for The Victoria Tottenham, extending its hours on Fridays.

Traditional Cafe and Tea House, 78 Myddleton Road, Wood Green, London N22 8NQ

The committee granted a new premises licence for the Traditional Cafe and Tea House, located at 78 Myddleton Road, Wood Green, London N22 8NQ, with specific conditions. The application, initially described as a variation, was clarified to be a new application for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

The licence was granted with the following hours:

• Sale of alcohol: Monday to Friday, 18:00 to 22:00; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 to 22:00.
• Hours open to the public: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 22:30.

Key conditions imposed include:

• The premises cannot operate as a men-only social club.
• Menus must be placed in the windows and be clearly visible.
• Alcohol can only be sold ancillary to patrons consuming a meal and seated at tables.
• The windows of the premises must be clear to allow a view from the street.
• A 'Think 25' proof of age scheme must be operated.
• No alcoholic drinks or glass containers are to be taken onto the public highway.
• A digital CCTV system must be installed and maintained.
• An incident logbook must be kept.

The decision to grant the licence was made after considering representations from the applicant, Mr Michael Lambrou, and objectors, including Councillor Emily Arkell and residents. Concerns raised by objectors centred on the potential for the premises to become a men-only establishment, contributing to an intimidating atmosphere for women, public nuisance, and public safety, particularly given its proximity to a nursery. Mr Lambrou argued that the premises had a long history of being family-oriented and that he had always operated licensed premises responsibly. The committee noted the applicant's agreement to conditions proposed by the Police and Licensing Authority, which were incorporated into the licence. The restricted hours for alcohol sales on weekdays were specifically tied to the objective of protecting children from harm, given the nursery's proximity.

The Victoria Tottenham, 34 Scotland Green, Tottenham, London N17 9TT

The committee granted a variation to the premises licence for The Victoria Tottenham, located at 34 Scotland Green, Tottenham, London N17 9TT, allowing for extended hours on Fridays.

The variation allows for:

• Regulated Entertainment (recorded music): Friday, 10:00 to 00:30.
• Late Night Refreshment: Friday, 10:00 to 00:30.
• Sale of alcohol (on the premises): Friday, 10:00 to 00:30.
• Hours open to the public: Friday, 10:00 to 01:00.

The original application had sought to extend hours until 01:00 for regulated entertainment and late night refreshment, and until 01:30 for public opening on Fridays. The committee reduced these requested hours, with the final closing time for the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment set at 00:30, and public opening until 01:00.

Conditions attached to the variation include:

• Installation and maintenance of a digital CCTV system.
• An incident logbook to be kept.
• Amplified music and bass must not be played at a level causing unreasonable disturbance.
• No music to be played in external areas after 22:30.
• All windows and external doors to be kept closed after 22:30 when regulated entertainment is taking place.
• Patrons must not drink from glass bottles or glasses outside the premises.
• A 'Think 25' proof of age scheme must be operated.

The decision followed representations from the applicant, Mr Liam O'Hare and Ms Sarah Colgate, and from residents. Supporters highlighted the pub's positive impact on the community, its role as a safe space, and its organisation of community events. Objectors, primarily residents living nearby, raised concerns about potential increases in noise, litter, public urination, and anti-social behaviour, particularly on late evenings and event days. The committee noted the Haringey Council's licensing policy, which generally restricts licensable activities beyond 23:30 on Sundays to Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in densely residential areas. While acknowledging the applicant's efforts to mitigate noise and manage crowds, the committee decided to grant the variation with reduced hours to balance the applicant's interests with those of the residents.