The Licensing Sub-Committee A of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 9 October 2024 and approved an application for a premises licence for 83 Rivington Street Event Space, subject to several conditions. The committee considered numerous objections from local residents and responsible authorities regarding the potential impact on crime, disorder, public nuisance, and public safety.

Application for a Premises Licence - 83 Rivington Street Event Space, 83 Rivington Street EC2A 3AY

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, with several amendments and additional conditions. The application, made by MKM Resources Ltd, sought authorisation for various licensable activities including plays, films, live and recorded music, performances of dance, and the sale of alcohol, with proposed hours extending beyond the council's core hours policy.

The decision was made after considering representations from the applicant, the Licensing Authority, the Police, Environmental Health, and 28 local residents who objected to the application. Three representations were received in support of the application.

Arguments for Approval: The applicant, MKM Resources Ltd, represented by William Knowles-Mofford, highlighted their 14 years of experience operating in Shoreditch and their commitment to community engagement and cultural enrichment. They proposed a three-pillar concept: a commercial event space for brands, a community and cultural outreach programme, and a grassroots live music venue. The applicant argued that the extended hours would meet community demand, contribute to the local economy, and provide a competitive edge. They also presented mitigation measures for security, noise control, and responsible alcohol service, asserting their commitment to promoting the four licensing objectives. The Night Czar also submitted a letter in support, emphasising the importance of such venues for London's cultural landscape and economy.

Arguments Against Approval (Objections): Numerous objections were raised by local residents and the Licensing Authority, primarily focusing on the cumulative impact of the venue's proposed hours and capacity on the surrounding area. Concerns were raised about increased crime and disorder, public nuisance (including noise, litter, public urination, and defecation), and public safety. Many residents cited the venue's troubled history, including previous licence revocations for the site when it operated as Cargo and Eden Garden Entertainment, highlighting a pattern of anti-social behaviour and violence. The proximity to residential properties, including those housing families with young children and vulnerable individuals, was a significant concern. Objectors argued that the proposed hours exceeded Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ (LP3 Core Hours) and that the venue's size would exacerbate existing problems in an area already saturated with licensed premises. Questions were also raised about the applicant's corporate structure and the ultimate beneficiary of the licence, given the previous operator's history.

Decision and Conditions: The Licensing Sub-Committee A resolved to approve the application, subject to a number of conditions. These included:

• Hours: The licensable activities will operate within specific hours, generally aligning with the council's core hours policy, with some extensions for specific activities on certain days. For example, plays, films, live music, recorded music, performances of dance, and the sale of alcohol will generally be permitted until 00:00 from Sunday to Thursday and until 01:00 on Friday and Saturday. Late night refreshment will be permitted until 00:00 from Sunday to Thursday and until 01:00 on Friday and Saturday. The premises will open from 09:00 to 00:30 on Monday to Thursday, and 09:00 to 01:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sunday.
• Capacity: The number of persons permitted in the premises at any one time, excluding staff, shall not exceed 500.
• Security: A minimum of 3 SIA registered door supervisors will be on duty at all times alcohol is sold, with additional staff employed based on operational risk assessment and police approval. SIA security staff will remain on duty for at least 20 minutes after the premises closes to monitor the external area and ensure patron dispersal.
• Entertainment Restrictions: No DJ-led events are permitted at any time. No live music performances will be permitted in any external areas.
• Operational Conditions: Numerous conditions were attached relating to CCTV, personal licence holder presence, age verification, responsible alcohol promotion, provision of water, drink pricing, film classification, door supervision, noise limitation, waste management, and incident logging.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that, with these conditions, the licensing objectives would not be undermined.