The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider two applications for premises licences. These included a review of an existing licence for The Archives in South Tottenham and an application for a new licence for Thompson's Beer Shop in Crouch End.

Application for a Review of a Premises Licence at The Archives

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a review of the premises licence for The Archives, located at Unit 10, High Cross Centre, Fountayne Road, Tottenham, London N15 4QN. This review was initiated by Other person/Residents due to ongoing noise nuisance emanating from events held at the venue. The report pack indicated that representations had been received from responsible authorities, including the Noise RA and the Metropolitan Police, as well as supporting documentation and recordings from residents.

The report outlined the powers available to the licensing authority, which included modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely. The report also referenced Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and relevant Human Rights Convention Articles, including Article 8 (Right to respect for private and family life) and Article 10 (Freedom of Expression).

The application for review, submitted by Annelie Kops, detailed significant noise disturbances from live music events held in the outdoor area of The Archives. The applicant stated that the noise was deafening even with windows closed, causing walls to vibrate and rendering their home uninhabitable during these events. The review application also questioned the premises' adherence to its licence conditions regarding keeping external doors and windows closed during regulated entertainment and requested a copy of the noise management plan.

Supporting documents included an Event & Crowd Management Plan for The Archives, dated April 2026, which detailed operational procedures for various event types, traffic management, and security deployment. An addendum to the Noise Management Plan specifically addressed outdoor events in the courtyard, proposing measures such as concluding outdoor events by 10:00 PM, restricting sound levels to 85 dB LAeq, 15 min at the courtyard boundary, and using acoustic treatments like hay bale walls. A Noise Management Plan and Report from October 2023 by Shaun Murkett Acoustic Consultants Ltd was also provided, detailing sound measurements and recommendations for noise reduction, including the calibration of a sound limiter. A representation from the Metropolitan Police supported the review, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance, including allegations of violence, theft, drug-related activity, and failures in incident handling and safety management. The Noise and Nuisance Team also submitted a representation, noting a history of complaints and the issuance of an Abatement Notice, and proposed reducing operating hours and removing licensable activities from the roof terrace.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Thompson's Beer Shop

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Thompson's Beer Shop, located at 26 Veryan Court, Park Road, Hornsey, London N8 8JR. The application, submitted by Alexander Holbourn, sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol and recorded music for both on and off-site consumption.

The proposed hours for regulated entertainment (recorded music) were Monday to Thursday from 13:00 to 22:00, Friday to Saturday from 12:00 to 22:00, and Sunday from 13:00 to 20:00. The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol were Monday to Wednesday from 13:00 to 22:00, Thursday from 13:00 to 23:00, Friday to Saturday from 12:00 to 23:00, and Sunday from 13:00 to 20:00. The premises would be open to the public during these times.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police and the Noise & Nuisance Team, both of which agreed to withdraw their objections subject to agreed conditions. However, representations were also received from local residents.

The residents' objections focused on several licensing objectives. Under the prevention of public nuisance, concerns were raised about amplified music and bass noise being audible within neighbouring homes and allotments, and the potential for a permanent licence to create a materially greater cumulative impact on the residential amenity. They referenced a planning permission condition (HGY/2014/0053, Condition 14) regarding amplified music not being audible within residential premises and reported breaches.

Regarding public safety, residents expressed concerns about congestion on White Hart Lane and surrounding streets, a history of accidents at a nearby junction, and insufficient public transport, suggesting that large events could generate significant additional vehicle movements and pedestrian risk. They also noted insufficient car parking capacity, leading to overspill parking and pressure on local roads.

Under the prevention of crime and disorder, the residents referred to existing security difficulties at the site, including temporary fencing to deter unauthorised access, and concerns about anti-social behaviour, street drinking, and the management of large crowds where alcohol is sold. They felt the application lacked sufficient detail on stewarding, crowd management, dispersal, and security arrangements.

Concerns about the protection of children from harm were also raised, noting the premises' proximity to a secondary school, a special school, and a nursery, and expressing worry about alcohol-led weekday evening events near children and the potential displacement of sporting and recreational use by young people.

The report pack included the application details, representations from the Metropolitan Police and the Noise & Nuisance Team (both of which were withdrawn subject to agreed conditions), and a collective objection from local residents and businesses. The residents requested strict conditions, including limiting recorded music to background levels with a decibel limiter, prohibiting outdoor alcohol consumption on the pavement, and reducing operating hours for alcohol sales and music to 9:00 PM seven days a week.