The Licensing Sub Committee considered two applications for new premises licences. The first, for Code at 34 Westferry Circus, was granted with conditions, while the second, for Little LND at 39 Autumn Street, was adjourned to allow for further information to be provided.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Code Floors 3-4, 34 Westferry Circus, London E14 8RR

The committee granted a new premises licence for Code, located on the third and fourth floors of 34 Westferry Circus¹. The premises will operate as a restaurant on the fourth floor and a lounge bar and restaurant on the third floor. The licence permits licensable activities until 2:00 AM, with a 2:30 AM closing time, seven days a week.

Concerns were raised by the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, and residents regarding potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. Key issues included the late operating hours, the use of the underground car park for access and egress after 10:30 PM, and the management of smokers.

The applicant, represented by Frank Fender, proposed several conditions to address these concerns, including restricting access and egress via the main entrance after 10:30 PM, directing smokers to specific areas, and agreeing to a transport management plan to be approved by the police. Environmental Health withdrew its objection after agreeing conditions with the applicant. The Police also agreed to conditions, although they highlighted the need for a robust transport management plan. Residents expressed significant concerns about noise, light pollution, privacy, waste management, and the suitability of the location for a late-night venue.

The committee decided to grant the licence with a number of conditions, including those agreed with the Police and Environmental Health, and a condition requiring a transport management plan to be agreed with the Police prior to the premises opening.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Little LND, Studio 2, Unit 3a, 39 Autumn Street, London, E3 2TT

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Little LND, described as a cultural hub and entertainment venue, at Studio 2, Unit 3a, 39 Autumn Street². The applicant sought to sell alcohol from 9 AM to 3 AM daily, with regulated entertainment and live music also permitted until 3 AM, and non-standard hours extending to 5 AM on specific occasions.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), and residents. The primary concerns revolved around the prevention of public nuisance, particularly noise, and the potential for anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder due to the late operating hours and the venue's location in an increasingly residential area.

Environmental Health objected due to the proposed hours exceeding the council's framework hours and the potential for noise breakout and disturbance from patrons leaving the venue. The LLDC also objected, stating that the proposed operating hours exceeded the hours permitted by the site's planning permission. Residents expressed significant concerns about noise pollution, public nuisance, security, drug use, and the impact on their quality of life, citing previous issues when the venue operated as a nightclub called Bloc .

The applicant's representative, Robert Sutherland, proposed amendments to the application, reducing alcohol sales and regulated entertainment hours on Sundays to Thursdays to align with framework hours. They also presented detailed management plans for traffic, security, and events, and agreed to numerous conditions, including a noise limiter and a requirement for a transport management plan to be approved by the police.

However, objectors, including residents and the Police, maintained their concerns about the overall suitability of the premises for the requested hours and activities, particularly regarding noise, security, and the management of patrons' egress. The Police specifically highlighted the need for comprehensive security, welfare, and drugs policies, and for ID scanning for certain events.

Given the significant number of representations and the unresolved concerns, particularly regarding noise management, security, and the adequacy of the proposed plans to mitigate public nuisance, the committee decided to adjourn the decision on this application. Further information and clarification are required from the applicant before a final decision can be made.