The Licensing Sub Committee A of Islington Council is scheduled to convene on Monday 15 June 2026. The primary item on the agenda is a review of the premises licence for Gem Restaurant, located at 265 Upper Street, London, N1 2UQ.

Premises Licence Review - Gem Restaurant, 265 Upper Street, London, N1 2UQ

The committee is set to consider a summary review application for the premises licence held by Gem Restaurant. This application was initiated by the Metropolitan Police on 19 May 2026, citing grounds of serious crime. The report pack details a serious incident involving a knife attack that occurred at the premises in the early hours of 16 May 2026, resulting in multiple victims sustaining stab injuries.

The Metropolitan Police's application highlights concerns regarding the management of the venue, including allegations of staff failing to contact the police immediately, potential tampering with CCTV footage, and the arrest of the venue manager and premises licence holder, Mr Eyup Ozturk, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The police are recommending a review with a view to the revocation of the premises licence due to the severity of the incident and the perceived management failings.

The Licensing Authority has also submitted a representation, supporting the review application. Their concerns are based on the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. They note a history of complaints regarding noise nuisance, breaches of licence conditions, and breaches of smoking regulations since Mr Ozturk became the Designated Premises Supervisor in March 2025. The Licensing Authority's representation details instances where officers believe the premises contravened the Health Act 2006 and observed breaches of licence conditions.

Further representations have been received from the Noise Authority (Neighbourhood Engagement Team), detailing numerous complaints of noise nuisance from the premises, particularly from amplified music emanating from the basement. These complaints span from May 2025 to April 2026, with officers witnessing statutory noise nuisances on multiple occasions, leading to warning letters and the service of a Section 80 Notice under the Environment Protection Act 1990. The Noise Authority recommends the withdrawal of all regulated entertainment until a satisfactory noise survey is conducted and that operating hours be reduced.

Additionally, representations have been submitted by local residents and the landlord of the building. These submissions raise concerns about noise disturbance, public safety, anti-social behaviour, and alleged breaches of fire safety regulations, including the lack of a fire exit in the basement. The landlord has provided evidence of alleged illegal nightclub operations and violations of the lease agreement.

The report pack includes the premises licence for Gem Restaurant, detailing its authorised licensable activities and operating hours for both the ground floor and basement. It also contains witness statements from PC Darren Emanuel of the Metropolitan Police, outlining the details of the incident and the police investigation, as well as correspondence from the Licensing Authority and the Neighbourhood Engagement Team. The written submissions from the premises licence holder, Mr Eyup Ozturk, are also included, where he denies allegations of deliberate obstruction and outlines his actions during the incident, emphasizing his intention to preserve evidence and protect customers.

The Sub-Committee will be considering the application under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, which allows for an expedited review in cases of serious crime or disorder. The potential steps the committee may consider include modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the Designated Premises Supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking it entirely.