The Licensing Sub Committee considered two applications for new premises licences. The first, for Solid Floor Ltd at 7A Ezra Street, was refused. The second, for Rotunda Cafe at Island Gardens, was granted with modified hours and conditions.

Solid Floor Ltd, 7A Ezra Street, London E2 7RH

The committee refused the application for a new premises licence for Solid Floor Ltd, located at 7A Ezra Street, London E2 7RH. The applicant, Solid Floor Limited, sought to transform their Victorian warehouse showroom into a restaurant with a capacity for 80 diners, including a yard and roof terrace, and to sell alcohol.

Numerous objections were raised by local residents and businesses, primarily concerning the potential for public nuisance, increased traffic, noise, and anti-social behaviour. Objectors highlighted the narrowness of Ezra Street, its residential nature, and its proximity to Columbia School. Concerns were also voiced about the cumulative impact of additional licensed premises in an area already experiencing issues.

The applicant's agent, Peter Conisbee, argued that the venue would operate as a high-end fine dining restaurant, not a boozer, and that strict operating conditions would mitigate any potential issues. They proposed measures such as blocking up rear windows, instructing suppliers to park in the yard, and limiting music to background levels. The applicant, Elke van Bles, also stated that the restaurant would be a valuable addition to the area and that a lack of a licence would necessitate a different, less desirable type of restaurant.

However, the committee was not convinced that the proposed measures would sufficiently address the concerns raised by objectors. The arguments against the application centred on the scale of the proposed venue in a constrained environment, the potential for increased traffic and noise, and the impact on local residents and children attending the nearby school.

Rotunda Cafe, Island Gardens, London E14 3EA

The Licensing Sub Committee granted a new premises licence for Rotunda Cafe, located at Island Gardens, Saunders Ness Road, London E14 3EA. The applicant, Gianluca Collini, sought to sell alcohol for on-site consumption at the cafe, which is situated within Island Gardens Park.

The initial application proposed alcohol sales from 8am to 11pm. However, following discussions with the police, the applicant agreed to reduce these hours to 8am to 5pm. One objection was received from a resident, Ralph Hardwick, who expressed concerns primarily about off-sales and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour in the park.

Mr. Collini clarified that his intention was to sell alcohol for consumption with meals on the premises and in the external seating area, not for off-site consumption. He stated that he did not intend to sell alcohol in takeaway cups and that staff would be trained to check identification to prevent sales to minors. He also confirmed that he operates other licensed premises and is familiar with licensing regulations.

The committee considered the objector's concerns regarding off-sales and their potential conflict with the borough-wide public space protection order relating to alcohol consumption in public spaces. However, legal advice clarified that the order does not prohibit drinking in public places but rather requires individuals to cease drinking if asked by an authorised officer. The applicant also agreed to a condition that alcohol would only be supplied to persons seated and taking a table meal, and that service would be by waitress only. The committee also noted that the lease agreement for the premises was a separate matter from the licensing application.

The decision to grant the licence was made with the agreed reduced hours and conditions, focusing on on-sales only, served with meals, and within the designated external seating area.