The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on 7 January 2025 to discuss two applications for new premise licences. The committee refused a new premises licence for Harvest, a supermarket on Brick Lane, due to concerns about its location within a cumulative impact zone¹ and the potential for increased public nuisance and crime and disorder. An application for a new premise licence for Z & H One Rice Ltd, also on Brick Lane, was withdrawn by the applicant. The committee also agreed to extend the decision deadline for several other licensing applications.

Harvest, 103 Brick Lane

The sub-committee refused an application for a new premises licence for Harvest, located at 103 Brick Lane. The applicant, represented by Mr Duncan Craig, sought to sell alcohol for off-site consumption between 08:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The reasons given for the refusal were that the proposed premises fell within a Cumulative Impact Zone, and that the applicant had failed to demonstrate that the licence would not negatively impact the area.

The committee heard from Mr Craig, who argued that Harvest was a distinctive business, focused on organic, local produce and community engagement. He highlighted several proposed conditions, including limiting alcohol display space to 15% of the retail area and implementing a minimum unit pricing policy, with prices of £2.79 on beer and cider, £9.99 on a bottle of wine, and £39.99 on a bottle of spirits. Mr Craig stated that these measures would deter street drinkers and raise standards in the area. He also mentioned a proposed noise management plan and dispersal policy.

However, Licensing Officer Lavine Miller-Johnson maintained the Licensing Authority's objection, stating that the premises' location within a CIZ meant the application required careful consideration. She said that the operation of other premises by the applicant could not be considered to justify an exemption.

Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of the Licensing Committee, raised concerns about high levels of anti-social behaviour in the Brick Lane area, particularly within the Shoreditch triangle, and questioned why an exception to the CIZ policy should be made.

Mr Craig responded that the business could raise the bar in the area, and that the police had not objected to the application. A director of Harvest, Sukriaka, said that the business would employ security staff, conduct ID checks, and reduce hours to 22:00 to avoid late-night disturbances.

Despite these arguments, the committee remained unconvinced that the proposed conditions would adequately mitigate the potential negative impact on the area. They noted that similar conditions were already in place at other licensed premises in the area, and that the proposed minimum pricing, while higher than average, may not deter all street drinking.

The committee also considered a representation from a local resident, James Frankcom, who raised concerns about potential public nuisance to residents living above the premises.

Ultimately, the committee concluded that the applicant had not rebutted the presumption against granting a new licence within the CIZ, and that the likely impact of granting the application would be to add negatively to the existing problems within the zone.

Z & H One Rice Ltd, 46 Brick Lane

An application for a new premise licence for Z & H One Rice Ltd at 46 Brick Lane was withdrawn by the applicant during the meeting. The applicant, represented by Vizi One, had sought a licence for late-night refreshment.

Licensing Officer Lavine Miller-Johnson explained that the premises fell within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Area. The applicant initially requested late night refreshment from 23:00 to 04:00, but had agreed reduced hours with the police of 07:00 to 00:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 07:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday.

Mohshin Ali, Senior Licensing Officer, raised concerns about who was in charge of the business, as the director had changed recently. He also noted that the application made no reference to the premises being within a CIZ.

Councillor Peter Golds asked the applicant to explain why the committee should break the CIZ rules for their application. The applicant's representative said that there were only four Chinese restaurants in Brick Lane, and that customers had asked them to open late.

Jonathan Melnick, Legal Advisor, clarified that the committee was not missing any documents, but that the applicant needed to explain why they should be an exception to the CIZ policy.

After a discussion, the applicant withdrew their application.

Extension of Decision Deadlines

The committee agreed to extend the decision deadline for the following applications to 28 February 2025:

• Lebanese Grill, 80 Brick Lane
• Bad Boys Pizza, 419 Bethnal Green Road
• Breid, 9 Morgan Street
• Cable Street Mini Supermarket, 403 Cable Street