There were no declarations of interests made.

The rules of procedure were noted.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 4^th December 2019 and 14^th January 2020.

The minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee held on 14^th January 2020 were agreed as a correct record of proceedings. The minutes of 4^th December 2019 were deferred to the next meeting.

At the request of the Chair, Ms Kathy Driver, Licensing Officer, introduced the report which detailed the application for a review of the premises licence for Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF. It was noted that the review had been triggered by a local resident and was supported by a local ward councillor and other local residents. It was also noted that there was also a representation in support of the premises by a local resident.

Ms Driver highlighted that the premises licence covered the whole of the Tobacco Dock building, however, the review was specifically in relation to the Skylight Bar. It was also noted that no Responsible Authorities had made representations. 

At the request of the Chair, Mr Jack Hunter, Applicant, explained that he had moved into his property in 2017, and had been aware that Tobacco Dock was a licensed premises when he moved in. He explained that it wasn’t Tobacco Dock that was the problem but the issue was the Skylight Bar. Mr Hunter said that the months between April to September each year were completely ruined by the constant noise nuisance that he experienced as a result of the Skylight Bar. He then described how the noise had affected him. He said that from Thursday to Sunday he was unable to use the balcony, that there was constant noise disruption and he was unable to go to bed early.

Mr Hunter made a request to play noise recordings as evidence of the noise nuisance that was experienced. There were some concerns raised as to whether these recording had been circulated to all parties prior to the meeting. Ms Driver explained that a link was sent with the application but the file was unusable as Officers were unable to download the files.

Mr Jon Wallsgrove, Legal Representative on behalf of Mr Johnathan Read, Director of Tobacco Dock, confirmed that he had been provided the recordings prior to the hearing (quite some time ago) and had had the opportunity to listen to them, however questioned the authenticity of the recordings as it could not be confirmed where they were taken from, what time, what date etc.

The Chair conferred with the Sub-Committee and agreed to hear the recordings.

Mr Hunter stated that no noise was experienced on the ground level of Discovery Walk and it was the properties on the upper level where the noise was experienced. Mr Hunter noted that at the onset of these problems the management team of Tobacco Dock were co-operative and there was a good rapport between him and the premises, however, as time passed the relationship broke down. Mr Hunter stated that he had asked to meet with Mr Read on a number of occasions but the requested meetings did not occur. He explained that as a result of the breakdown in the relationship there had been defamation of his character.

Mr Hunter said that Vanguardia, a sound acoustic company, was sent to his premises to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.1

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.

Members agreed to extend the decision deadlines for the following applications;