The Licensing Sub Committee granted a new premises licence for McDonald's at 2 Trafalgar Way, London E14 5SP, authorising late-night refreshment from 11pm to 5am daily. They also granted a variation to the premises licence for Idle Moments at 86 Columbia Road, London E2 7QB, permitting on-sales of alcohol and extending operating hours. An application for a variation of a premises licence for Morley's at 60-62 Brick Lane, London E1 6FR, was withdrawn by the applicant.

McDonald's, 2 Trafalgar Way, London E14 5SP

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for McDonald's at 2 Trafalgar Way, London E14 5SP to provide late-night refreshment indoors from 11pm to 5am daily, with the premises open to the public 24 hours a day. This decision followed consideration of an application that attracted one representation from a local resident. The resident's concerns focused on potential public nuisance from litter and noise, and public safety issues related to traffic.

The applicant's representative, Mr Leo Charalambides, highlighted that the premises had planning permission for 24-hour operation, indicating suitability for such use. He also noted the absence of representations from responsible authorities, such as the police and environmental health, who are considered experts in their fields. Mr Charalambides detailed the company's litter-picking operations, which occur at least three times daily, and explained measures to mitigate noise and anti-social behaviour, including CCTV, a Staff Safe system, and the ability to adjust in-store music and Wi-Fi.

The objector, Mr Liam Ison, expressed concern that the area was becoming more residential and that the proposed hours would exacerbate existing litter problems. He also questioned the enforceability of signage intended to encourage patrons to leave quietly.

The Sub-Committee noted that public safety concerns raised by Mr Ison related to traffic, which were outside the scope of licensing objectives concerning the safety of patrons within the premises. They were satisfied that the applicant had given proper attention to issues of noise and litter, and that the grant of 24-hour planning permission was consistent with the licensing objectives. The decision to grant the licence was made with the imposition of several conditions, including comprehensive CCTV, a Staff Safe system, noise control, prominent notices requesting patrons to leave quietly, and regular litter picking around the vicinity of the premises as detailed on a map.

Idle Moments, 86 Columbia Road, London E2 7QB

The Sub-Committee granted the application to vary the premises licence for Idle Moments at 86 Columbia Road, London E2 7QB, allowing for on-sales of alcohol and extending permitted hours. The variation permits alcohol sales from 11am to 10:30pm Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, and 11am to 11:30pm Thursday to Saturday. It also allows for recorded music from 11pm to midnight on Thursday to Saturday. The premises will close to the public 30 minutes after the terminal hour for alcohol sales.

The application received three representations from local residents, primarily concerned with the prevention of public nuisance, the premises' location on a residential street, and a potential change in the street's character.

Mr Aneesh Patel, representing the applicant, highlighted the premises' five-year track record of responsible off-sales operation and successful use of Temporary Event Notices for on-sales. He emphasised that the intention was not to become a pub or music venue, but to offer a small, intimate space for enjoying wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Conditions had been agreed with Environmental Health, and Mr Patel noted the lack of objections from responsible authorities.

Mr Timothy Adler, an objector, raised concerns about Columbia Road being a mixed-use street with residential accommodation above shops, and stated there was no need for additional licensed premises. He also expressed concern that future tenants might not be as accommodating as the current applicants.

The Sub-Committee considered that licensing decisions do not set precedents and each application is determined on its own merits. They noted the lack of objections from responsible authorities and the positive engagement with residents. The decision to grant the variation was made with several conditions imposed, including adherence to a Noise Management Plan, ensuring amplified music remains at a background level, limiting patrons smoking outside to three at a time, prohibiting drinks from being taken outside, and managing deliveries and waste collection outside of unsociable hours.

Extension of Decision Deadlines

The decision deadlines for several applications were extended to 31 December 2026. These include:

• The Peoples Letter, 295 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9RA
• Zuzu, 9a Heron Wharf, Leven Road E14 0QG
• China Town, 7 The Quarterdeck, London E14 8SH
• TGF Pizza, 2 Midlothian Rd London E3 4SE
• Unit 1 Land adjoining, Hamlets Industrial Estate, 96 White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN

The meeting concluded at 7:36 pm.