The Licensing Sub Committee B of Islington Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to consider three licensing applications. The committee granted a new premises licence for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, a variation to the premises licence for Sapid Coffee, and a new premises licence for Sainsbury's Supermarket. A separate application for Lebanon Grill was adjourned.

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG - New Licence Application

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. The application sought permission for a wide range of licensable activities, including the provision of plays, films, live and recorded music, dance, and the supply of alcohol, seven days a week from 08:00 to 22:30.

Numerous objections were received from local residents, primarily citing concerns about public nuisance, noise pollution, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour. Residents highlighted the quiet, residential nature of the area, the urban canyon effect of Myddelton Passage which amplifies sound, and the proximity of the premises to residential properties, including bedrooms and gardens. Concerns were also raised about the use of the outdoor terrace and the potential for noise to carry into homes, particularly during evening events and dispersal. Many residents felt the proposed hours and activities were incompatible with the area's character and the Centre's stated purpose as a cultural and educational institution. Some residents also expressed concerns about the adequacy of consultation and the potential for the application to undermine existing planning restrictions.

The applicant's representative explained that the Centre is a charitable organisation focused on illustration and cultural initiatives. They stated that the proposed hours and activities were intended to generate income to support the charity's operations and were bound by existing planning consent restrictions on event frequency and terrace use. The applicant detailed a comprehensive operational management plan, including noise mitigation measures, supervised dispersal, SIA-licensed security for events, and designated pick-up points for taxis. They emphasised that amplified music would be indoors only, with strict controls on volume and outdoor music limited to weekends in designated areas. The applicant also highlighted that alcohol off-sales would be restricted to sealed gift products.

After considering all evidence, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the application for a new premises licence. The decision was made after noting that the Metropolitan Police and Noise Services had withdrawn their objections after agreeing to comprehensive conditions. The Sub-Committee found that the applicant had demonstrated an understanding of residents' concerns and a willingness to adapt operations, including amending dispersal arrangements. The operating schedule was deemed detailed and proportionate, and the applicant was found to be aware of the licensing objectives and local area. The Sub-Committee concluded that the premises met the exceptions to the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Policy, demonstrating no negative cumulative impact on the licensing objectives. Conditions were strengthened regarding staffing and encouraging the use of the Amwell Street exit to address safety and nuisance concerns.

Sapid Coffee, Unit 2, 303 Holloway Road, London, N7 8HS - Premises Licence Variation

The Sub-Committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for Sapid Coffee. The application sought to extend licensable activities, including live and recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol, until 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 03:00 on bank holidays.

The Police initially raised objections on the grounds of the premises already operating beyond usual business hours and the potential to undermine licensing objectives, particularly in the context of the Holloway Road area's late-night activity and proximity to transport hubs. Concerns were also raised about the lack of proposed mitigation measures. The Licensing Authority noted that the initial application lacked detail and did not adequately address the premises' location within a Cumulative Impact Area. However, the applicant's representative explained that the extended hours were sought for economic reasons and that the venue operated as a pre-booked events space, primarily for urban music events, rather than a general-access bar. They emphasised that all attendees would be vetted, and rigorous screening of external promoters would be in place. The applicant agreed to a condition requiring all events to be ticket-only and pre-booked.

The Sub-Committee decided to grant the application for a premises licence variation. The variation allows for extended licensable activities, including on-sales of alcohol until 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with off-sales remaining until 02:00. A key condition imposed is that the premises must operate exclusively for pre-booked or invite-only events, with no walk-up customers admitted.

Sainsbury's Supermarket, 124–128 Balls Pond Road, London N1 4AE - New Premises Licence Application

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Sainsbury's Supermarket. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol (off-sales only) from Monday to Sunday between 07:00 and 23:00.

Representations were received from a local resident and a local business, raising concerns about potential increases in noise, nuisance, waste, and traffic congestion due to deliveries. The resident also expressed concerns about the proposed bakery element and potential rodent activity. The applicant's representative addressed these concerns, explaining that delivery arrangements had been considered and that a Traffic Management Order was in place. They stated that the premises had a strong history of compliance and that proposed conditions had been agreed with the Police. The applicant also noted that the proposed alcohol range would be more restrictive than that of an existing off-licence opposite the premises, with no beer or cider above 5.5% ABV to be sold, except for premium products.

The Sub-Committee decided to grant the application for a new premises licence. The licence permits the sale of alcohol (off-sales only) on Monday to Sunday from 07:00 to 23:00. Conditions detailed in the agenda pack were applied to the licence. The decision was made after considering that the premises are not located in an area-based Cumulative Impact Area, and that the applicant had rebutted the presumption in Licensing Policy 4 (Off-Sales Cumulative Impact) by demonstrating that the operation would not add to cumulative impact and would promote the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee also noted that no Responsible Authority had raised objections.

Lebanon Grill, 153 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX - New Licence Application

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new licence for Lebanon Grill. The applicant requested an adjournment to provide further information addressing representations from Responsible Authorities.

The Sub-Committee determined that an adjournment was both appropriate and necessary, given the premises' location within the Holloway Road & Finsbury Park Cumulative Impact Area, which requires the applicant to rebut a presumption of refusal. Responsible Authorities also indicated that further engagement might help resolve outstanding issues. The hearing was adjourned, and the Local Authority Officer confirmed that the applicant could be listed for the next hearing in early February 2026.