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Summary
This meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee B considered an application for a premises licence for Spaces Unlocked, 118 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3AY. The committee heard arguments both for and against the application, focusing on concerns about crime, public nuisance, and safety, before ultimately approving the recommendations.
Licensing Application: Spaces Unlocked, 118 Curtain Road
Curtain Call London Limited applied for a premises licence for Spaces Unlocked, 118 Curtain Road, seeking authorisation for plays, films, live and recorded music, performances of dance, and similar activities, as well as the supply of alcohol. The application requested:
- Extended hours for licensable activities in the basement on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 04:00, with closing at 04:30.
- Permission to sell alcohol in the loading bay and first floor.
- Extended alcohol sales and licensable activities on Mondays to Wednesdays until 00:00, with closing at 00:30.
- Permission for deliveries outside of 23:00-08:00 to accommodate exhibition logistics.
Spaces Unlocked is located within the Shoreditch Special Policy Area1, where stricter licensing rules apply.
Current Status/History
The premises has held a premises licence since 1 July 2024, with Sweet Harmony Productions Ltd and Curtain Call London Ltd as the licensees, and Kerry Michela O'Connor as the designated premises supervisor.
Representations
The council received representations from:
- The police, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, and prevention of public nuisance.
- The Licensing Authority, expressing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance.
- The Health Authority, citing concerns about the protection of children from harm.
- 76 representations from other persons, including 51 in support and 25 opposing the application, citing concerns about all four licensing objectives.
Those opposing the application raised concerns that the venue was seeking to operate as a nightclub, and that the cumulative impact of the venue would undermine the licensing objectives.
Those supporting the application said that the venue was professionally run, and that it would contribute positively to the local community by promoting diversity, enhancing safety and revitalising previously neglected spaces.
Policy Considerations
The report noted that several policies from Hackney Council's Statement of Licensing Policy were relevant to the application, including:
- LP1 (General Principles)
- LP2 (Licensing Objectives)
- LP3 (Core Hours)
- LP6 (External Areas and Outdoor Events)
- LP10 (Special Policy Areas - Shoreditch SPA)
Officer Observations
The Senior Licensing Officer, Sanaria Hussain, recommended that if the sub-committee was minded to approve the application, 41 conditions derived from the operating schedule should be applied to the licence.
Other Matters Discussed
- Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, was appointed Chair for the municipal year 2025/26.
- The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 June 2025 were approved as an accurate record.
- The committee approved recommendations regarding the Fit for Future LGPS Reform Consultation Response and Update.
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Special Policy Areas (SPAs) are areas where the concentration of licensed premises is such that it creates a risk of crime and disorder, public nuisance or a lack of public safety. In these areas, there is a policy of refusing new licenses unless the applicant can demonstrate that their operation will not add to the existing problems. ↩
Attendees
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