The Licensing Sub Committee of Haringey Council was scheduled to consider an application for a review of a premises licence for The Village Square, located at 177 Archway Road, London, N6. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application for Review of Premises Licence at The Village Square

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a review of the premises licence for The Village Square, located at 177 Archway Road, London, N6. This review was initiated by The Noise Team RA, citing ongoing noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour emanating from the venue.

The report pack detailed a history of complaints dating back to 2006, when the premises operated as Caiprihana Jazz Bar. Subsequent ownership changes and operations as a nightclub under Blue Vegas and later The Village Square continued to generate complaints. These included issues related to noise from music and patrons, drunk and disorderly behaviour, the use of nitrous oxide, and littering.

The report highlighted specific incidents and concerns raised by residents and responsible authorities, including the Metropolitan Police. These included allegations of late-night brawls, shouting, violent altercations, and the use of nitrous oxide canisters and balloons in the surrounding streets. The report also noted instances where the venue allegedly operated beyond its licensable hours and where security staff were not present as required by the licence conditions.

The report outlined the potential steps the Licensing Sub Committee could take, 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 decision was to be made in accordance with the Secretary of State's guidance and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

The report pack included extensive appendices detailing resident complaints, official warnings issued to the venue, and representations from the Metropolitan Police and local councillors. These documents collectively illustrated a sustained pattern of alleged breaches of licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder.

The Noise Nuisance and Licensing Team proposed amendments to the current licence timings and conditions. These proposed changes included reducing operating hours, restricting the supply of alcohol and provision of late-night refreshment, and introducing stricter conditions related to CCTV, door supervision, incident logging, and litter clearance. The Metropolitan Police also submitted representations suggesting the revocation of the premises licence, or in the alternative, a substantial suspension, removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor, and the imposition of extensive additional conditions.