The Licensing Sub Committee D of Islington Council met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to consider applications for new and varied premises licences. The committee was scheduled to discuss a new premises licence application for Rheidol Rooms and a review of the licence for Retail 24.

New Premises Licence Application: Rheidol Rooms

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Rheidol Rooms, located at 16 Rheidol Terrace, London, N1 8NS. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption from midday until 10:00 PM on Sundays to Thursdays, and until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. It also sought permission for the playing of recorded and live music during these hours, with the premises to be open to the public from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Representations were received from five local residents, raising concerns about public nuisance, cumulative impact, and the suitability of the premises for licensed activities in a predominantly residential area. Concerns were also raised regarding the protection of children and families, with specific worries about noise disruption to infants and physical safety due to potential litter and broken glass. The Angel Association also objected to the application for live and recorded music, deeming it inappropriate for the residential area.

The applicant had agreed to incorporate conditions proposed by the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise service, leading to the withdrawal of their formal representations. The applicant's response to resident representations outlined proposed measures to mitigate noise, including the installation of a noise limiter, regular sound level monitoring, keeping doors and windows closed during regulated entertainment, and staff supervision during dispersal. They also proposed a comprehensive CCTV system, staff training in conflict management, and adherence to fire safety regulations. The applicant emphasised that the business is primarily a café, with entertainment being a smaller part of its operation.

The report pack indicated that the Licensing Authority recommended granting the application, subject to conditions prepared by the Licensing Officer consistent with the operating schedule and any other conditions deemed appropriate by the Sub-Committee to promote the four licensing objectives. These suggested conditions included measures for preventing public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

Licence Review Application: Retail 24

The committee was also scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for Retail 24, located at 194 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DT. This review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police following allegations of the premises accepting stolen goods in exchange for alcohol.

The police report detailed evidence of criminality, including CCTV footage showing staff accepting what appeared to be stolen goods and exchanging them for alcohol and cash. A subsequent compliance inspection identified breaches of nine of the premises' 21 licence conditions. Trading Standards officers also seized approximately 150 boxes of prohibited disposable vapes. Further incidents, including the deletion of CCTV footage and arrests related to handling stolen goods and perverting the course of justice, were reported. The police stated that confidence could not be restored in the premises' ability to operate lawfully and requested the revocation of the licence.

The Licensing Authority supported the review application, citing deficiencies in management standards and a disregard for previous advice and guidance. Trading Standards also supported the review, highlighting the seizure of illegal vapes. The review application itself detailed a timeline of alleged offences and police engagement, noting that criminal proceedings were ongoing. Due to the active investigation, the police requested that the matter be heard in private.

The report indicated that the premises licence allowed for the retail sale of alcohol for off-site consumption between 10:00 AM and 11:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, and until 10:30 PM on Sundays. The premises were permitted to be open to the public from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Sundays.

The committee was to consider the police's application for review and determine what steps, if any, were necessary to promote the four licensing objectives. These steps could include modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking it.