Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest, identified in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine: whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

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There were no declarations of interest made.

The rules of procedure were noted.

At the request of the Chair, Mr Mohshin Ali, introduced the report which detailed an application for Knave of Clubs, 1 Club Row, London E1 6JX for a premises licence for licensable activities including the retail sale of alcohol, the provision of late night refreshments and the provision of regulated entertainment. It was noted that objections had been received by Environmental Health, the Licensing Authority and a local resident. 

At the Chair’s request, Mr. James Anderson, the legal representative for the applicant, provided an overview of the premises' history. He explained that the venue had operated as a pub for many years but had been closed for the past two years. The current applicants were now launching a new venture and wanted to retain its public house format and continue to operate as a pub, preserving its historical and cultural identity. However, it would also feature a New York-inspired cocktail menu and offer high-quality restaurant-style food across two floors.

Mr. Anderson clarified that while the existing licence covered the first and second floors, the new licence would include updated, enforceable conditions.

He acknowledged concerns regarding the potential for drinking in the external area directly outside the premises. However, he argued that restricting customers from drinking outside would be difficult to enforce and would negatively affect the business's operation. As a solution, the applicants proposed a condition to limit the use of the outside area to before 9pm, unless it was for smoking, with a maximum of six people allowed at any time.

Mr. Anderson emphasized the support the applicants had received from local residents and businesses. He noted that the applicants were experienced operators and had made a significant financial investment in the premises. He also highlighted the loss of many pubs in Tower Hamlets, stressing the importance of keeping this venue operating as a public house.

Ms Kathy Driver, representing the Licensing Authority, then addressed the Committee, expressing concerns about the external area. She explained that the previous licence did not allow off-sales or drinking outside the premises, and that drinks were only allowed when ancillary to a meal. Ms. Driver highlighted the area’s high level of anti-social behaviour and noted that while there had been no recent complaints, other licenses in the area did not permit drinking outside or off-sales. She also pointed out that the narrow pavement outside the premises made it unsuitable for tables and chairs.

Ms. Nicola Cadzow, an Environmental Health Officer, raised concerns about the premises potentially contributing to public nuisance in the cumulative impact area (CIA), particularly due to noise. She noted the narrow pavement outside the premises and the proximity to residential properties, which could result in blocked walkways and noise disruption. Ms. Cadzow suggested limiting the number of people allowed outside to 20 at any time, with the restriction applying until 9pm.

Although the local resident who had submitted objections did not attend the meeting, the written representations (pages 79-80 of the agenda) were noted.

In response to questions, the following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.1

The Sub Committee may be requested to extend the decision deadline for applications to be considered at forthcoming meetings due to the volume of applications requiring a hearing.  Where necessary, details will be provided at the meeting.

Nil items.