The Licensing Sub-Committee B of Hackney Council met on Thursday, 18 April 2024, to consider a premises licence application for Last Days at St. Michaels Church & Yard, Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QX. The meeting's agenda also included a standing item on Temporary Event Notices.

Premises Licence Application: Last Days, St. Michaels Church & Yard, Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QX

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Last Days, located at St. Michaels Church & Yard, Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QX. The applicant, Last Days Ltd, sought authorisation for the provision of late-night refreshment, regulated entertainment (including films, live music, and recorded music), and the sale of alcohol. The proposed hours for these activities were from 09:00 to 23:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, and 09:00 to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, with non-standard hours for Sundays preceding Bank Holidays.

The report pack detailed the application, which proposed the premises be used as a multi-use venue for dining, functions, events, conferences, and seminars. The applicant highlighted a commitment to community engagement, cultural enrichment, and wellness events, aiming to revitalise the Grade I listed church. The application included proposed conditions derived from the applicant's operating schedule and those suggested by the Environmental Health Authority, covering areas such as CCTV, staff training, age verification, noise control, and waste management.

Significant representations were received from responsible authorities, including the Metropolitan Police Service and the Licensing Authority, raising concerns primarily related to the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. Numerous representations were also received from Other Persons, predominantly local residents and businesses, who voiced strong objections. These objections frequently cited concerns about noise pollution, public nuisance, potential increases in crime and anti-social behaviour, public safety issues, and the impact on the character of the residential area. Specific worries were raised about the use of Mark Street Gardens as an access point and potential congregation area, the suitability of the historic building for amplified music, and the cumulative impact of the proposed venue on an area already experiencing issues related to the night-time economy.

The report pack also included extracts from Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-2028, outlining principles such as the promotion of licensing objectives, core hours for licensable activities, and considerations for cumulative impact and special policy areas. The applicant's submissions included a noise impact assessment and mitigation strategy, letters to local residents, and supporting materials detailing their operational plans and team.

The committee was presented with two options for decision: to refuse the application or to approve it with conditions deemed necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

Temporary Event Notices Standing Item

The agenda also included a standing item regarding Temporary Event Notices (TENs). The report pack indicated that TENs are considered when objections are received from responsible authorities or other persons. The specific details of any TENs scheduled for discussion were not detailed in the provided agenda.