The Licensing Sub-Committee A of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 21 October 2026 to consider an application to vary a premises licence for Howl at the Moon, 178 Hoxton Street, London, N1 5LH. The committee considered proposed amendments to conditions regarding outdoor patron numbers, glassware, street furniture, and the introduction of quarterly resident liaison meetings.

Variation of Premises Licence for Howl at the Moon

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for Howl at the Moon, located at 178 Hoxton Street, London, N1 5LH. The applicant sought to remove several existing conditions related to outdoor patron numbers, the use of glass containers outside, and the removal of street furniture after 8 pm. These were proposed to be replaced with conditions allowing up to 30 patrons outside between 8 pm and 10 pm, reducing to 20 patrons after 10 pm, and serving all drinks outside in plastic or polycarbonate containers after 8 pm.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Kam Adams, representing local residents and the Hoxton East and Shoreditch Ward Panel, regarding ongoing compliance issues with current restrictions, including reports of groups congregating outside with glasses after 8 pm, high noise levels at closing time, and patrons obstructing the pavement. These concerns were argued to potentially undermine the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and ensuring public safety.

Connor Clark, the General Manager of Howl at the Moon, explained that the proposed changes aimed to formalise current operational practices and align the premises licence with the shop front trading licence. He highlighted that the venue had not received noise complaints since December of the previous year and proposed the addition of a condition for quarterly liaison meetings with residents.

David Tuitt, Team Leader for Licensing and Technical Support, supported the variation to align conditions with the shop front trading licence, noting potential duplication with existing legislation. He acknowledged that residents might have reservations about the proposed changes, particularly regarding the number of patrons permitted outside.

The subcommittee discussed the proposed amendments. Key points of discussion included:

• Outdoor Patron Numbers: The applicant proposed a maximum of 30 patrons outside on Stanway Street between 8 pm and 10 pm, reducing to a maximum of 20 patrons after 10 pm. This was discussed in relation to the available space and the closure of the market at 8 pm.
• Glassware: The proposal to serve drinks in plastic or polycarbonate vessels outside after 8 pm was discussed.
• Street Furniture: The removal of street furniture from Stanway Street no later than 10 pm, in accordance with the premises' Shop Front Trading Licence, was discussed.
• Quarterly Resident Liaison Meetings: The applicant proposed adding a new condition requiring quarterly liaison meetings with local residents, to be publicised and facilitated by Hackney Nights.
• Mandatory Conditions: The applicant agreed to conditions for a minimum of two SIA door supervisors on weekends when the premises is open past midnight, and a full risk assessment for the outdoor smoking area.

The subcommittee considered the applicant's proposal to align conditions with the shop front trading licence and the concerns raised by residents. The applicant agreed to specific conditions regarding outdoor patron numbers and the introduction of quarterly resident liaison meetings as a concession. The decision on the final variation of the premises licence was to be issued within five working days.