The Licensing Sub Committee A of Islington Council met on 9 March 2026 to consider a variation to the premises licence for The Chocolate Cocktail Club. The committee granted the variation, allowing for extended operating hours on Sundays and the sale of alcohol, subject to several new conditions aimed at mitigating noise nuisance and ensuring public safety.

Premises Licence Variation - The Chocolate Cocktail Club, 72 St John Street, London, EC1M 4DT

The Licensing Sub Committee A considered an application to vary the premises licence for The Chocolate Cocktail Club at 72 St John Street, London, EC1M 4DT. The application sought to amend the days and hours for the sale of alcohol and to allow the premises to be open on Sundays. The applicant had initially requested to add recorded music to the licence, but this part of the application was withdrawn prior to the meeting.

The Licensing Officer informed the committee that representations from the Metropolitan Police and the Pollution Team had been withdrawn after the applicant agreed to additional conditions. These conditions included the requirement for the applicant to take appropriate measures to prevent noise disturbances and the implementation of a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme. The premises had previously operated on Sundays using Temporary Event Notices (TENs) without any complaints.

Residents raised concerns about potential noise nuisance, particularly from airborne and structure-borne noise. They highlighted that the building is a Grade II listed property, which presents challenges for soundproofing. Residents noted that the speakers were integrated into the ceiling structure and that bass frequencies were amplified due to the wooden beam floors. They expressed that Sundays were typically a day for quiet and that the proposed extended hours could disrupt this. Some residents also mentioned previous noise issues from neighbouring establishments, including the White Bear Pub opposite, and expressed concern that The Chocolate Cocktail Club could exacerbate existing problems within the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area.

The applicant stated that the variation was sought to meet demand for afternoon teas and to ensure the financial viability of the business. They explained that the toilets were located in the rear lightwell area and that the outdoor area could not be closed for fire safety reasons. The applicant confirmed that they had purchased a door closer for the rear door and were seeking a tradesperson for its installation. They also noted that the speakers were pre-existing and that they did not have the funds to replace them, but were open to finding solutions for soundproofing. The applicant agreed to conditions including signage reminding patrons to be quiet, limiting Sunday opening hours, and providing a contact number for residents. They also committed to endeavouring to hold quarterly meetings with local residents.

The committee resolved to grant the premises licence variation. The sale of alcohol and the opening hours were approved with specific timings for Tuesday through Sunday. The approved hours for Sunday were from 13:30 to 20:00.

In addition to the standard conditions detailed on pages 37 to 38 of the agenda, the following conditions were applied:

• Operation on Sundays could only commence and continue if a doorstop was implemented to the rear door and appropriate signage regarding customers limiting noise was displayed inside the premises and at the doors.
• A contact number was to be made available for residents during all hours of operation.
• The licensee would endeavour to hold quarterly meetings with local residents.
• The premises would operate the 'Ask for Angela' safeguarding initiative at all times the premises was open to the public, with all staff trained in its implementation.

The committee also drew attention to conditions 10 and 11, relating to preventing noise or vibration from causing a nuisance to nearby properties and taking appropriate measures in response to substantiated complaints.