The Licensing Sub Committee C of Islington Council met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to consider applications for new and varied premises licences. The committee was scheduled to discuss three applications for premises licences, all of which involved requests for extended hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment.

New Premises Licence: Lebanon Grill, 153 Holloway Road, N7 8LX

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Lebanon Grill, located at 153 Holloway Road, N7 8LX. The application sought to permit the provision of late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 03:00, seven days a week, and for the premises to be open to the public during the same hours.

Several representations were received regarding this application. The Metropolitan Police objected on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance, citing a lack of detail in the operating schedule regarding customer dispersal and management of anti-social behaviour. They also noted that the proposed hours were outside the council's policy framework. The Licensing Authority also raised concerns, particularly regarding ongoing investigations into odour and smoke nuisance from the business and potential breaches of planning conditions related to the extractor system. The Commercial Environmental Health service objected due to existing complaints of smoke and odour nuisance, which were being investigated under statutory nuisance legislation. Residents also submitted objections, highlighting concerns about smoke pollution, health risks, and the potential exacerbation of existing noise and anti-social behaviour issues if the hours were extended.

The report pack indicated that remedial works to the extract flue were to be signed off, and an addendum to the Environmental Health officer's representation, along with supporting documentation, had been submitted.

Premises Licence Variation: Marathon Restaurant, 193A Caledonian Road, N1 0SL

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Marathon Restaurant, located at 193A Caledonian Road, N1 0SL. The application sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and the provision of late-night refreshment. Specifically, the request was for alcohol sales and late-night refreshment to be permitted from Sunday to Thursday until 01:30, and on Friday and Saturday until 02:30. The proposed opening hours for the premises would be extended to 02:00 on Sundays to Thursdays and 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police, who objected to the extended hours, stating they were outside the framework hours and that the application lacked clear safeguarding measures. They also noted that the proposed conditions were not as robust as existing ones. Seven local residents also submitted objections, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. These concerns included loud music, raised voices, littering, anti-social behaviour, and increased foot traffic and potential for intoxicated individuals congregating in the area. Historical issues related to violence and disorder associated with the premises were also highlighted, referencing a period when the licence was reviewed due to such concerns. The Licensing Authority also raised concerns about the proposed hours exceeding the framework and the enforceability of conditions, particularly those linking alcohol sales to food.

The applicant's legal representative submitted a clarification statement addressing concerns about cumulative impact and enforceability, emphasizing the premises' food-led nature and the proposed controls.

Premises Licence Variation: Istanbul Meze Restaurant, 90-92 Seven Sisters Road, N7 6AE

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Istanbul Meze Restaurant, located at 90-92 Seven Sisters Road, N7 6AE. The current licence permits the sale of alcohol from 11:30 to 22:30 daily, late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 00:00 daily, and the premises to be open from 11:00 to 00:00 daily. The variation application sought to extend these hours significantly. Specifically, the request was for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment to be permitted from Sunday to Thursday until 01:30, and on Friday and Saturday until 02:30. The proposed opening hours would be extended to 02:00 on Sundays to Thursdays and 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police. The Metropolitan Police objected to the extended hours, stating they were outside the framework hours and that the application lacked clear safeguarding measures. They also noted that the proposed conditions were not as robust as existing ones. The Licensing Authority also raised concerns about the proposed hours exceeding the framework and the enforceability of conditions, particularly those linking alcohol sales to food. They also noted that there were no proposed restrictions on accompanied individuals under 18 being on the premises during the extended hours and raised concerns about the suitability of the building's structure for late-night operation, given potential noise issues in the vicinity. The Council's Noise Service initially made a representation but withdrew it after conditions were agreed.

The report pack included the existing premises licence conditions and suggested conditions consistent with the operating schedule and agreed with the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise Service.