Licensing Sub Committee A of Islington Council is scheduled to consider a variation to a premises licence for The Chocolate Cocktail Club. The committee will review the application, including representations from local residents and the Metropolitan Police, before making a decision.

Premises Licence Variation for The Chocolate Cocktail Club

The main item scheduled for discussion is an application to vary the premises licence for The Chocolate Cocktail Club, located at 72 St John Street, London, EC1M 4DT. The proposed variation seeks to allow the premises to open on Tuesdays from 13:30 to 18:00, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 18:30 to 22:30, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 13:30 to 22:30. This includes extending the hours for the sale of alcohol and the provision of recorded music.

The report pack indicates that there are eight representations from local residents regarding this application. These representations raise concerns about potential noise and nuisance, particularly concerning airborne and structure-borne noise. Residents have highlighted issues with noise from the existing toilet location in the rear lightwell, as well as noise from customers congregating in this area. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased noise and disturbance due to the premises being located within the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area. Some residents have also noted existing noise issues from the nearby White Bear pub and are concerned that the variation to The Chocolate Cocktail Club's licence could exacerbate these problems.

The Metropolitan Police have also submitted representations, which have since been withdrawn after the applicant agreed to suggested conditions. These conditions include the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, prominent signage regarding CCTV operation and the Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, the availability of non-intoxicating beverages, and the maintenance of an incident log.

The Council's Noise Service has also proposed conditions, stating that Noise or vibration must not emanate from the premises so as to cause a nuisance to nearby properties. They also stipulate that in the event of a substantiated noise complaint, the licensee shall take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence.

The report pack also notes that the property is a Grade II statutorily listed building within the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area. The premises have an established lawful use as a restaurant, falling within Class E for planning purposes.

The Licensing Sub-Committee will need to consider the application in light of the Licensing Act 2003¹ and Islington's Licensing Policy, particularly Policy 3, which states there is a presumption of refusal for applications within a Cumulative Impact Area unless the Sub-Committee is satisfied that there will be no adverse cumulative impact on the licensing objectives. If the application is granted, it will be subject to conditions consistent with the Operating Schedule and any other conditions deemed appropriate by the Sub-Committee to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.