The Licensing Sub-Committee E of Hackney Council met on Tuesday 15 October 2024 to consider applications for premises licences. The committee approved the application for a Premises Licence for Cafe Kowloon, with several amendments, and also approved the application to vary a Premises Licence for The Haggerston.

Application for a Premises Licence: Cafe Kowloon, Arches 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, E8 3PH

The committee approved the application for a Premises Licence for Cafe Kowloon, located at Arches 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, E8 3PH, with a number of amendments. These included revised operating hours for the sale of alcohol and the premises' opening times, the removal of Late night refreshment from the application, and amendments to several conditions.

Key amendments to the conditions include:

• Staff will monitor the front of the premises and any queue to ensure order.
• No refuse or bottles are to be placed in external receptacles or outside the premises between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
• Alcohol can only be sold for consumption on the premises to individuals taking substantial seated table meals, with consumption being ancillary to these meals. Supply will be by waiter or waitress service only.
• The outside area of the premises must be closed from 10:00 PM.
• All windows and external doors must be closed at 10:00 PM.
• A smoking area will be implemented, limited to 10 smokers at any one time.
• A written Dispersal Policy and a Crowd Management Plan must be submitted to and approved by the Licensing Authority and the Police, and then implemented and briefed to all staff.
• The Premises Licence Holder must maintain a dedicated contact telephone number and email address, available at all times to local residents and relevant authorities, and this contact information must be displayed on the premises' website and at the premises.

The decision was made after considering representations from the Licensing Authority regarding public nuisance, and from 32 local residents who had initially objected to the application on grounds related to the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. Councillor Bramble represented residents concerned about the impact of late-night premises on the residential area, citing issues of anti-social behaviour and noise. The management company for a residential block of flats also objected, arguing that the hours were inappropriate for the area and that a substantial meal does not prevent vertical drinking.

The applicant's legal representative argued that the business would provide a needed service, that conditions had been agreed upon, and that management procedures would be followed. They also stated that crime statistics could not be attributed to the premises and that the applicant had an open door policy for residents. The sub-committee was satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined with the imposed conditions.

Application to Vary a Premises Licence: The Haggerston, 438 Kingsland Road, Hackney, London, E8 4AA

The committee approved the application to vary the Premises Licence for The Haggerston, located at 438 Kingsland Road, Hackney, London, E8 4AA. Further details regarding the specific variations and conditions approved were not provided in the available documentation.