The Licensing Sub Committee convened to address several licensing matters, including a review of a premises licence, applications for a new premises licence and a transfer of a premises licence, and a temporary event notice. The most significant discussion revolved around the review of the premises licence for AM to PM/Food Giant Express, due to concerns raised by the police and Trading Standards regarding breaches of licensing objectives. The sub committee also discussed a new premises licence for Pick Pic, and a temporary event notice for Vittoria Wharf Studio.

AM to PM/Food Giant Express - 129 Whitechapel High Street

The sub committee considered an application to review the premise licence for AM to PM/Food Giant Express, 129 Whitechapel High Street, triggered by the police, and supported by Trading Standards. The review was prompted by concerns over breaches of licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety. The sub committee also considered an application to transfer the premise licence to Mr Aun Ali Syed, and an application to vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) to Mr Aun Ali Syed.

Police concerns

The police raised concerns about the premises, stating that they believed that the venue could not promote any of the licensing objectives due to a blatant disregard for the Licensing Act 2003. They cited an intelligence report and two visits by the Police Licensing Team on 2 July 2025 and 21 July 2025. The police stated that on 2 September 2014, the Licensing Sub Committee added 18 conditions into Annex 3 for this license, and that they believed that 11 of those conditions had been breached on two occasions. The police reported that they had received information that the venue had bought what were suspected to be stolen chocolate bars. During a visit on 2 July 2025, officers observed boxes of Double Decker chocolate bars, and the shopkeeper, Ali Raza, stated that they came from a cash and carry. Officers asked to check the CCTV, but Mr Raza stated that only his manager had access. The police sent Mr Syed a warning letter, advising him not to display or sell alcohol if they were in breach of their conditions.

A follow-up visit on 21 July 2025 found that the alcohol was on display for sale. A staff member, Danyal Nazir, stated that his boss was Ali Raza, who was working in Brick Lane's AM to PM. The police noted several breaches of conditions, including a lack of signage for the Challenge 25 policy¹, and that Danyal Nazir could not operate the CCTV system. The police also found cartons of milk that had gone green with mould, rotten peaches, and boxes of eggs without expiration dates. A Section 19 closure notice² was issued against the premises due to the serious nature of the breaches and unauthorised sale of alcohol.

The police stated that they believed that Mr Syed had been in charge of the shop for several months, and that the DPS was not running the shop day to day. They stated that they did not believe that Mr Syed was a responsible owner, and that there were serious concerns about the nature of their food storage. The police concluded that they had no confidence that Mr Syed or those associated with AM to PM were responsible operators who could safely promote the four licensing objectives.

Trading Standards concerns

Trading Standards officers reported that during a visit on 2 July 2025, 67 single use vapes were found displayed for sale at the premises, a month after the ban on the supply of single use vapes in England came into force. They also noted that very few of the products displayed for sale in the shop bore a selling price indication, which is an offence under the Prices Act 1974. Trading Standards stated that they lacked confidence in the shop's management's ability and/or willingness to uphold the licensing objectives.

Licence holder statement

Mr Ayn Saeed, representing the premises licence holder, stated that he respected the law and had been running the business for around 10 years without any prior issues. He admitted that there were some conditions that were not being followed, but that he had been in Pakistan for the previous couple of months due to his mother's cardiac arrest and surgery. He stated that he had returned to the UK on 6 July, and had been attacked while coming out of prayers. He stated that he had fixed all the issues, and had asked all staff to do the personal lessons. He stated that in the future, there shouldn't be anything, breach would happen, and that he would try his best to be a responsible citizen.

Questions

Councillor Agda asked about vapes found at the shop, and what kind of support the local businesses or this business was given, or what to do with the stock which was left. Mr Saeed stated that he was aware of the ban, and that a rep company was supposed to come and collect the vapes, but they didn't remove them from the premises. He stated that 95% of the vapes were compliance vapes there, but that it was his mistake. He stated that he didn't get any guidance what to do with the stock which didn't sell by that time. Councillor Miao asked if the staff had done the training course, and Mr Saeed confirmed that Uzefa and Ali Rata had done the course. He stated that he has three staffs and fourth one is him. Councillor Miao asked about the eggs, and Mr Saeed stated that they were on the bottom shelf because if they are on the top shelf and sometimes customers pick it up and they drop it. PC Wells confirmed that there were various breaches of the licence in terms of things like training records. Mr Saeed confirmed that he was responsible for the business.

Decision

The sub committee did not make a decision on this matter, and extended the decision deadline to 31 October 2025.

Pick Pic - 138 Bethnal Green Road

The sub committee considered an application for a new premise licence for Pick Pic, 138 Bethnal Green Road, which falls into the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Area (CIA)³. The applicant, SBS Film Ltd (T/A Pick Pic) – (Haesoo Bae), described the premises as a self-service entertainment space featuring automated photo booths and interactive media installations on the ground floor, and short-term private karaoke rooms for hire in the basement. The premises sought to offer prepackaged alcoholic beverages for consumption in the karaoke rooms only.

Environmental Protection concerns

Environmental Protection raised concerns about the potential for noise disturbance to nearby residents, especially in the absence of detailed technical information. They noted that the premises is located within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone, and that there are residential flats directly above the premises. They also raised concerns about the nature of karaoke use, which tends to involve raised vocal levels and potential excitement, and the lack of a formal noise management plan, impact assessment or technical evidence to support the adequacy of the premises soundproofing. Environmental Protection stated that they were unable to support the application in its current form, due to insufficient evidence within the application to demonstrate how the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance will be fully promoted.

Applicant response

The applicant stated that they had been running Pick Pic at this location for nearly two years, and that there have been no reports or complaints to the police or Council related to noise, nuisance, or any other licensing issues. They stated that the basement karaoke space is very limited in scale, with each private room holding just 3–4 people, and a total basement capacity of no more than 15 people. They stated that sessions are pre-booked only, and that they were willing to limit bookings even further or implement timed access controls. The applicant stated that Pick Pic is not a bar, and that they do not sell beer on tap, bottles of spirits, or run a typical drinking establishment. They stated that their offer is primarily an interactive entertainment retail space, with alcohol served only to guests using the facilities, not as a standalone offering.

Police agreement

The police agreed to conditions with the applicant, including:

• An incident log shall be kept at the premises.
• In the event that a serious assault is committed in or directly outside of the premises the management will immediately ensure that the police are called.
• When the designated premise supervisor is not on the premises any or all persons authorized to sell alcohol will be authorized by the designated premises supervisor in writing.
• A record shall be kept detailing all refused sales of alcohol.
• All front of house staff shall undergo welfare training.
• The premises shall install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system.
• A staff member from the premises who is conversant with the operation of the CCTV system shall be on the premises at all times when the premises are open.
• SIA licensed door supervisors will be hired on a risk assessment basis.
• Challenge 25 proof of age scheme shall be operated at the premises.
• Staff at the venue will conduct a welfare check on patrons once every hour either via CCTV or in person for any bookings of the Karaoke rooms over an hour.

Licensing Officer Comments

The Licensing Officer noted that the Live Music Act removed licensing requirements for amplified live music and recorded music between 8am and 11pm before audiences of no more than 500 people on premises authorised to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Decision

The sub committee did not make a decision on this matter.

Unit 4 Vittoria Wharf Studio, 10 Stour Road

The sub committee considered a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Unit 4 Vittoria Wharf Studio, 10 Stour Road, submitted by Alessandro Lasci. The applicant requested to extend the hours of the current licence for sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment on Saturday 1 November 2025 and Sunday 2 November 2025 from 01:00 hours to 04:00 hours.

Environmental Protection concerns

Environmental Protection objected to the TEN, stating that the application fails to meet the Licensing Act 2003 objective of preventing public nuisance. They raised concerns about noise breakout, access and egress of patrons, and the proposed hours of operation. Environmental Protection stated that music and amplified sound escaping from the venue are likely to cause significant disturbance to neighbouring residents, particularly during the extended hours proposed. They also stated that large numbers of patrons leaving and entering the premises during the early hours will inevitably generate noise, including raised voices, vehicle movements, and general disturbance, which will adversely affect local residents.

Applicant response

The applicant submitted supporting documents, including a noise and nuisance monitoring plan, and a dispersal policy. The noise and nuisance monitoring plan outlined the details of the plan to monitor noise breakout from the sound system and customers when the studio is being used as an event space. The dispersal policy outlined the steps to ensure that patrons leave the premises and surrounding area in an orderly manner, minimizing noise and disruption.

Decision

The sub committee did not make a decision on this matter.