The Licensing Sub Committee A of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 09 October 2024 to consider an application for a premises licence for 83 Rivington Street Event Space. The committee approved the application with several amendments and additional conditions.

Application for a Premises Licence - 83 Rivington Street Event Space

The Licensing Sub Committee A approved the application for a premises licence for 83 Rivington Street Event Space, located at 83 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY. The decision was made after considering representations from the applicant, local residents, the Police, and the Licensing Authority.

The committee approved the licensable activities with the following hours:

• Plays, Films, Live Music, Recorded Music, Performance of Dance, and any entertainment of a similar description:
  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 - 23:00
  • Friday and Saturday: 10:00 - 00:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 22:30
• Sale of Alcohol (On the premises):
  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 - 23:00
  • Friday and Saturday: 10:00 - 00:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 22:30
• Late Night Refreshment:
  • Friday and Saturday: 23:00 - 00:00
• Opening Hours of the premises:
  • Monday to Thursday: 09:00 - 23:30
  • Friday and Saturday: 09:00 - 00:30
  • Sunday: 09:00 - 23:00

Several conditions from the original report were not attached to the licence. Condition 31 was amended to state that the number of persons permitted in the premises at any one time, excluding staff, shall not exceed 500. Condition 55 was amended to require a minimum of 3 SIA registered door supervisors on duty at any time alcohol is sold, with additional SIA staff employed based on operational risk assessment and police approval.

The following additional conditions were added to the premises licence:

• No DJ-led events are permitted at any time.
• No performances of live music shall be permitted in any external areas.
• SIA Security staff shall remain on duty for at least 20 minutes after the premises closes to monitor the external area and ensure all patrons have dispersed.

The reasons for the decision highlighted that the Licensing Sub-committee was satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined. The Police and Environmental Enforcement had agreed conditions with the applicant and withdrawn their representations. However, the Licensing Authority objected on the grounds of public nuisance, and 28 local residents also objected, citing concerns about antisocial behaviour, crime, disorder, and crowded pavements. Three representations were made in support of the application.

The applicant, MKM Resources Ltd, represented that they were experienced operators with over 15 years in the industry, having previously operated the Looking Glass Cocktail Club in Hackney Road without local resident objections. They stated the venue was intended as a not-for-profit space for young artists, similar to the Camden Jazz Café.

Despite the applicant's assurances, the sub-committee took into consideration the significant concerns raised by local residents regarding the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the Shoreditch area. Residents expressed worries about antisocial behaviour, crime, disorder, and the impact of large crowds and dispersal late at night on their quality of life. Concerns were also raised about the premises' size and the potential for cumulative impact. The sub-committee noted that residents had seen a substantial improvement in the area when the premises were previously closed.

The sub-committee felt that the applicant's experience demonstrated they were a responsible operator who would work with local residents. They also considered that the offer to reduce hours to core hours as per the council's licensing policy mitigated the impact. The sub-committee concluded that granting the premises licence would not undermine the licensing objectives.

Any party aggrieved by the decision has the right to appeal to Thames Magistrates' Court within 21 days of receiving the written decision.

The meeting also included procedural items such as the election of a chair, apologies for absence, and declarations of interest, which were not discussed in detail in the public record. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed without discussion.