The Hackney Council's Licensing Sub-Committee A convened to discuss a new premises licence for The Mildmay Club and Institute, and consider Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for 72 Rivington Street. The sub-committee approved the recommendations for The Mildmay Club and Institute, and deferred a decision on the TENs.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

Premises Licence: The Mildmay Club and Institute

The sub-committee approved the application for a premises licence for The Mildmay Club and Institute, located at 33-34 Newington Green. The decision allows the club to host plays, films, live and recorded music, dance performances, and similar activities, as well as serve alcohol for consumption on the premises, between 11:00 and 00:00 Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 22:30 on Sundays.

The sub-committee decision factored in several considerations:

• Licensing Objectives: The decision was made with regard to the promotion of the licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, as outlined in the Licensing Act 2003.
• Representations: The sub-committee acknowledged the 19 representations from local residents, with 9 objections and 10 in support. They also noted the Environmental Enforcement Service withdrew their objections after agreeing to conditions with the applicant. The Licensing Authority maintained their objections based on the prevention of public nuisance.
• Applicant's Representations: The sub-committee considered the applicant's argument that the premises would remain a members club with little difference in operation. They also heard that the Environmental Protection Service had previously found no issues with noise levels.
• Noise Mitigation: The sub-committee considered the applicant's legal representative’s representations that there were no other complaints about other parts of the premises as the music was played through a noise limiter. The applicant’s legal representative made representations that the noise was tested at 85 dB and there was no noise found outside of the premises and the windows and doors were closed.
• Conditions: To address concerns and mitigate potential issues, the sub-committee added several amended and additional conditions to the premises licence, including:
  • Installation of a noise limiter in the main hall.
  • Regulating entertainment noise levels to prevent nuisance to neighbouring residents.
  • Keeping external doors and windows closed during regulated entertainment, except for access and egress.
  • Designated smoking areas with restrictions on the number of smokers and monitoring by SIA door supervisors[^2] on Fridays and Saturdays after 20:00.
  • Prohibiting patrons from taking drinks outside while smoking.
  • Restricting glass bottle disposal into outside bins between 22:00 and 08:00.
  • Maintaining a dedicated telephone number and email address for contact, displayed on the premises and website.
• Support: The sub-committee noted the application was supported by the Clissold Ward Councillor.

The sub-committee was satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined by granting the premises licence, particularly with the added conditions. They also acknowledged the applicant's willingness to work with local residents to resolve any concerns.

The Premises Licence Holder also agreed to surrender the club premises certificate upon the grant of the new premises licence, and the sub-committee noted that the premises would still be operating as a members club.

The sub-committee also provided some public informative points, including advising the Premises Licence Holder to consider installing double glazing to prevent noise breakout, to inform anyone that is likely to be affected when they are holding events, to engage in meaningful dialogue with the local residents to resolve any impacts of noise emanating from the premises, and to use sustainable cutlery, plates, cups, food containers, and recyclable disposable materials to avoid using single-use plastic disposable items.

Temporary Event Notices: 72 Rivington Street

The sub-committee considered a report regarding Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for Bread and Butter, located at 72 Rivington Street. These TENs were submitted to allow licensable activities to take place on the premises.

The Metropolitan Police and Environmental Protection both objected to the TENs, citing concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

The sub-committee deferred making a decision on the TENs.