The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a review application for The Hart, a premises on Chase Road, London. Following mediation and agreement on new conditions, the committee modified the premises licence to address concerns raised by residents and responsible authorities.

Review of The Hart Premises Licence

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered a review application for The Hart, located at 290 Chase Road, London, N14 6HA. The review was initiated due to numerous complaints from local residents concerning loud music and licensing breaches witnessed by council officers. The Metropolitan Police had initially sought the revocation of the premises licence, citing concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety.

However, subsequent to the review application, the premises licence holder and Enfield Council participated in mediation. This process led to an agreement on revised conditions for the licence and an undertaking from the premises licence holder. Key undertakings include the variation of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) to Mr Adam Vahedi by 28 March 2025. Until this variation is complete, the current DPS is required to be on-site from 7pm until close on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, barring unavoidable circumstances. Once Mr Vahedi is the named DPS, he is to be on-site for at least 50% of trading hours per month, unless one month's written notice is provided to the Police and Licensing Authority.

As a result of these developments, the Licensing Authority no longer sought a reduction in operating hours. The Police also withdrew their representation, agreeing with the proposed changes. The committee resolved that it was appropriate to modify the conditions of the licence to promote the licensing objectives.

The modified conditions, detailed in Annex I of the Supplementary Report 3¹, include a comprehensive set of measures covering various aspects of the premises' operation. These include restrictions on adult entertainment, no regulated entertainment in the front seating area, mandatory signage regarding zero tolerance for drugs, and a maximum capacity of 220 patrons. Specific conditions were also imposed regarding the use of front and side outside areas, with service of drinks ceasing at 23:00 (22:30 on Sundays) and no customer access after these times, except for smoking in a designated area limited to 10 persons after 23:00. A door supervisor will monitor the front and side outside areas from 23:00 (22:30 on Sundays) until closing. Customers are prohibited from smoking at the front of the premises or on the highway.

A digital CCTV system is to be installed with specific criteria for camera placement, image quality, data retention (31 days), and access for police and local authority employees. Age verification policies, including 'Challenge 25', are to be operated, and children are not permitted on the premises after 22:00. Signs are to be displayed advising customers about the Public Space Protection Order area and that alcohol should not be consumed outside the designated seating area. Prominent notices requesting customers to leave quietly are to be displayed at all public exits. Management must conduct subjective noise assessments outside the premises hourly and keep records. A suitable method for determining the number of persons on the premises must be employed, and a staff member must supervise the front entrance for 30 minutes after licensable activities cease to ensure orderly dispersal. External doors and windows must be kept closed but not locked during regulated entertainment. All staff are to receive induction and refresher training on alcohol sales, licence conditions, zero-tolerance policies, dispersal, and the 'Ask for Angela' scheme, with all training documented. A written record of refused sales must be kept, and toilets checked for drug use every two hours, with records maintained. No glasses are to be taken past the perimeter of the premises. A minimum of two security personnel are required at the main entrance on Friday and Saturday evenings until 30 minutes after licensable activities cease, with a last entry policy of 01:00 on these nights. Crucially, a noise limiter is to be installed and maintained on the musical amplification system, set at a level determined by the Environmental Health Service to prevent nuisance, with the operational panel secured by key or password. Section 177A of the Licensing Act 2003, which relates to the deregulation of live and recorded music, will not apply to this premises licence. Customers are to be directed to park in the adjacent office car park or other lawful locations, with entry refused to those who fail to comply. All private parties and events must have a documented risk assessment, with event organisers responsible for social media searches and guest lists. An electronic incident reporting system is to be implemented, and comprehensive policies for zero tolerance to drugs and weapons, along with a dispersal policy, must be developed and enforced. 'Ask for Angela' posters are to be displayed, and all front-of-house staff and SIA-licensed personnel must receive Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement training.

The Chair, Councillor Suna Hurman, noted that the Premises Licence Holder had negotiated in good faith to reduce noise nuisance complaints and promote licensing objectives. The committee endorsed the proposed conditions and undertakings, including the DPS variation and on-site presence requirements.