The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for So Bar, located at Unit 1d, 1e Royal Victoria Place, E16 1UQ. The committee will review the application and any representations made by residents, responsible authorities, and local councillors.

So Bar, Royal Victoria Place, E16 1UQ

The primary item scheduled for discussion is an application to grant a new premises licence for So Bar, located at Unit 1d, 1e Royal Victoria Place, E16 1UQ. The applicant, ZOHRA & SONS LTD, is seeking to operate as a restaurant with a bar area and a late-night venue. The proposed licensable activities include the supply of alcohol, films, live music, recorded music, dance, and anything similar, along with late-night refreshment. The proposed opening hours are from 08:00 to 02:30 daily.

Representations have been received from residents raising concerns regarding the licensing objectives of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, and public safety. Councillor Rob Callender, the local ward councillor for Royal Victoria, has also made representations, supporting the concept of the bar but recommending adjustments to the proposed conditions and opening hours to mitigate potential public nuisance and crime and disorder. Specifically, Councillor Callender suggests that outdoor tables and chairs should be rendered unusable at 21:30, and the outside area cleared, rather than the proposed 23:00. He also suggests that opening hours on Monday to Thursday and Sundays should have a closing time of midnight to prevent noise affecting residents on work/school nights.

A letter from the Property Manager of the Board of Britannia Village General Management Company Ltd has also raised concerns about public nuisance and public safety, stating that tables, chairs, and associated furniture are not permitted on their land and must be removed from the dock front area and stored within the premises.

Conversely, several letters of support have been submitted by residents and patrons of So Bar. These representations highlight the venue's positive contribution to the local community, its friendly atmosphere, and the lack of issues experienced by residents living nearby. Many of these supporters believe that the venue is well-run and that the voluntary removal of fixed benches has already improved the situation regarding potential disturbances. They argue that restricting the outdoor area would be detrimental to the business and the community.

The committee will also consider the existing licence for the premises, which has been in place since 2007, and a history of previous applications and variations. The report pack includes appendices detailing the application form, proposed conditions, representations from residents, councillors, and the property manager, as well as supporting letters. The Licensing Act 2003¹ governs the framework for these discussions.