The Licensing Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 13 June 2024, where Councillor Shubo Hussain was elected as Vice-Chair. The committee noted its terms of reference and agreed to establish licensing sub-committees, appointing nine chairs for these sub-committees. Discussions also covered the annual review of the Late Night Levy and a report on prosecutions and appeals.

Establishment of Licensing Sub-Committees

The committee formally agreed to establish licensing sub-committees for the municipal year 2024/2025. These sub-committees will be responsible for determining licensing applications where representations have been made. Nine members were appointed as chairs for these sub-committees: Councillor Peter Golds, Councillor Shubo Hussain, Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Councillor Suluk Ahmed, Councillor Rebaka Sultana, Councillor Mushtak Ahmed, Councillor Leelu Ahmed, Councillor Asma Islam, and Councillor Ahmodur Kabir. The terms of reference and schedule of meetings for these sub-committees were also noted.

Late Night Levy: Annual Review

The committee reviewed the annual report on the Late Night Levy, which came into effect on 1 January 2018. This levy applies to premises licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6 am, with the income generated intended to fund initiatives benefiting the late-night economy. The report detailed the income received (£258,879 in 2023/24) and expenditures on various initiatives. A significant surplus of £318,488 from the previous year, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was reduced to £155,602 in 2023/24 through the introduction of additional initiatives.

Key initiatives funded by the levy included:

• Additional Police Patrols: Over 87 patrols were conducted, focusing on crime and disorder reduction, public safety, and deterring street urination. These patrols led to arrests for offensive weapons and drug possession, and assisted in dealing with public disorder.
• Nitrous Oxide Operations: Two operations in July and August 2023 targeted nitrous oxide sellers, resulting in fines, seizures of cylinders, and the disruption of illegal food stalls.
• Street Pastor Patrols: Approximately 92 patrols aimed to increase public safety, deter minor crimes, and provide assistance to individuals in the late-night economy.
• Enhanced Cleaning/Sweeping: Additional street cleansing and sweeping were carried out in areas affected by the late-night economy. Four Big Belly smart solar bins were also installed.
• Portable Urinals: Three portable urinals were deployed on Friday and Saturday nights in key locations to prevent street urination.
• Medic Patrols: A pilot scheme introduced medic patrols to assist with injured or vulnerable individuals, reducing the burden on emergency services.
• Radio Link System: A pilot was initiated to link night-time patrols and venues, with phase one (linking patrols) completed.
• Additional CCTV Cameras: Two CCTV cameras were installed in Hackney Wick to enhance public safety and aid in evidence gathering.

The report highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives on crime reduction, public safety, and the overall management of the late-night economy.

Prosecutions and Appeals Report

Jonathan Melnick, Principal Lawyer – Enforcement, presented a report detailing licensing-related prosecutions and appeals concluded in Quarter 4 of 2022/23 and Quarters 1-3 of 2023/24. The report covered a total of nine prosecutions and six appeals. The committee noted that the council's licensing enforcement activities aim to ensure compliance with licences, take action against unlicensed premises, and respond to appeals against committee decisions. The report also included matters under the Gambling Act 2005 and Special Treatment Licences. Members acknowledged the efforts of the officers and the robust advice provided by legal officers.

Election of Vice-Chair

Councillor Shubo Hussain was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee for the municipal year 2024-2025, following a vote where they received six votes compared to Councillor Suluk Ahmed's five.

Declarations of Interest and Minutes of Previous Meeting

No declarations of interest were made by members. The minutes of the previous Licensing Committee meeting held on 18 January 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.