The Licensing Sub-Committee E met on Friday 11 October 2024 to consider an expedited review of interim steps for a premises. The meeting also included a review of the committee's hearing procedures.

Interim Steps Pending Full Review: Bar A Bar

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an expedited review concerning interim steps pending a full review for Bar A Bar, located at 133-135 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BT. The report pack indicated that this item would be heard in private due to the potential disclosure of exempt or confidential information. The recommendation was that the press and public be excluded from this part of the meeting, as defined under paragraph 7, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The procedure for this hearing was outlined, including steps for the appointment of a Chair, the Licensing Officer's outline of the report, the case presented by Responsible Authorities (such as the Police), the Premises Licence Holder's response, and a subsequent discussion. The committee would then withdraw to consider the evidence and obtain legal advice before announcing its decision.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure

The committee was scheduled to review its procedures for Licensing Sub-Committee hearings, as detailed in the Procedure for Expedited Review 2.pdf. This procedure governs how hearings are conducted under the Licensing Act 2003, including remote hearings, the process for representations, and how decisions are made. The document also outlines the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-2028, which includes principles for general applications, the four licensing objectives (prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm), core hours, off-sales of alcohol, planning status, external areas, minor variations, temporary event notices, personal licences, and cumulative impact policies.

The policy states that applicants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the locality and consider the council's aspiration to diversify offers while promoting licensing objectives. It also details the council's approach to cumulative impact, noting that areas previously identified as the Shoreditch and Dalston Special Policy Areas are being considered for inclusion in a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).¹