Agenda item
Application for a New Premise Licence for Limehouse Library Hotel, 638 commercial Road, London, E14 7HS
Minutes:
At the request of the Chair, Mr Ibrahim Hussain, Licensing Officer, introduced the report which detailed the application for a new premises licence for Limehouse Library, 638 Commercial Road, London E14 7HS. It was noted that objections had been received by local residents in relation to the prevention of public nuisance.
At the request of the Chair, Ms Ozlem Darcan representing the Applicant explained that the premises was a boutique hotel and culinary arts and educational centre for tourists and business clientele, whilst retaining its heritage as a library. She gave a brief history of the premises and its heritage. She acknowledged the concerns raised by the residents and explained that the library itself had been left derelict, unoccupied and attracted anti-social behaviour prior to the development of the hotel. Since the Applicant took over the premises, it has been regenerated, refreshed, and there have been no reports of ASB. She referred to appendix 12 of the agenda which had photographs of the premises before and after its transformation.
She explained that management have taken into account the concerns of residents together with the welfare and comfort of guests, and had reached a fair balance between both. Ms Darcan referred to the concerns raised by objectors about the open terrace area. She explained that the area was insulated and covered up with glass to reduce noise etc., and that the ballroom was located in the basement, which had sound insulation. It was noted that some of the hotel rooms were in close proximity to the terrace area, and therefore it was in the Applicant’s own interest to ensure noise is not emanating from the terrace area, as it would impact not only local residents, but also hotel guests.
Ms Darcan confirmed that the terrace area would not be a club or pub or drinking area, but a quiet area for hotel guests and staff to relax in with greenery and zen like environment for guests to have a break, drink tea and coffee, and smoke., It was noted that there would be no live music or entertainment in this area.
It was noted that the terrace area was the only open area in the premises. All objectors had been invited to visit the premises. Only one resident had attended, and was impressed with the set upand operation of the premises. She addressed the issues concerning the deliveries outside the hotel. There was a loading bay for deliveries, and therefore this would not cause any additional issues with traffic and crowding on the public highway.
Mr Murat Ozbek, Applicant, referred to the objection raised regarding noise and ASB during the summer time, in relation to which he assured that this was not a typical hotel, but one with a lot of heritage and good reputation. The hotel had 75 rooms, and the main aim was that guests of the hotel feel comfortable in the hotel, so there was incentive for any noise disturbance and ASB to be prevented.
Members also heard from Mr Attila Szasz, resident objector. He briefly highlighted that he lived in very close proximity to the premises, and lived on the 3rd floor. He said he had no particular concerns or objections to the activities inside the premises, but his primary concern was limiting the noise that is likely to emanate from the premises from the terrace area, especially in the summer days when guests would be drinking outside etc., and he suggested that the area be restricted for use until 10pm.
In response to questions, the following was noted: -
- That the terrace area had a seating capacity of 40
- There was no bar area in the terrace, and drinks would be provided from elsewhere inside the premises.
- The terrace area was only a sitting area in which no vertical drinking would be permitted.
- That it was envisaged that no more than 30 people would be using the terrace area at any one time.
- There were 75 rooms in the hotel.
- That staff were trained regarding the responsible sale of alcohol.
- That 60% of the guests would be business customers, and 40% would be tourists.
- That a duty manager would be on duty 24 hours a day, and staff would monitor the terrace area at all times it was in use.
Concluding remarks were made by both parties.
The Licensing Objectives
In considering the application, Members were required to consider the same in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended), the Licensing Objectives, the Home Office Guidance and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and in particular to have regard to the promotion of the four licensing objectives:
- The Prevention of Crime and Disorder;
- Public Safety;
- The Prevention of Public Nuisance; and
- The Protection of Children from Harm.
Consideration
Each application must be considered on its own merits. The Chair confirmed that the Sub-Committee had carefully considered all of the evidence before them and heard the oral representations at the meeting virtually and in person from the Applicants and an objector.
The Sub-Committee noted the concerns raised by the resident objectors in relation to the potential increase in noise and public nuisance, as residential dwellings were in close proximity as well as lack of privacy and quiet enjoyment of their own homes. It was noted that the main concerns related to the open terrace area, but the Sub-Committee were assured that appropriate measures would be taken to ensure any noise breakout would be kept to a minimum, as there was no actual bar area on the terrace, there were hotel rooms adjoining the terrace area, and therefore it would not be in the hotel’s interest to have noise emanating from that particular area.
As a matter of evidence, the Sub-Committee could only consider evidence of actual events, not speculation as to what might happen.
The Sub-Committee noted the Applicant’s agreement to a condition that there be no vertical drinking in the terrace area. The Sub-Committee took into account the Applicant’s comment that a duty manager would be present at all times when the terrace area is in use. The objector requested a reduction in the hours for the use of terrace area, the applicants did not feel this would be justified as the terrace area was the only open area in the hotel and the hours applied for in their opinion offered the best balance for residents and guests of the hotel.
Members noted number of robust conditions offered by the Applicant in the operating schedule. They also considered that a reduction in the use of the terrace area to 23:00 hours from Mondays to Sundays provided a reasonable and proportionate limit on the hours in which any noise would come from the terrace area.
Members were confident that the reduction in the hours applied for the terrace area, together with the robust set of conditions offered and agreed with Responsible Authorities, would ensure that the licensing objectives would be promoted.
Therefore, Members made a unanimous to grant the application with conditions.
Accordingly, the Sub-Committee unanimously;
RESOLVED
That the application for a New Premises Licence for Limehouse Library Hotel, 638 Commercial Road, London E14 7HS be GRANTED with conditions.
Sale of Alcohol (on sales)
Monday to Sunday 24 hours – Lobby Lounge for Hotel Guests
Restaurant
Monday – Wednesday 12:00 – 23:30 hours
Thursday – Saturday 12:00 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Sunday 12:00 – 23:00 hours
Terrace Area
Monday – Sunday 12:00 – 23:00 hours
Ballroom
Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Provision of Regulated Entertainment
Live Music (indoors) – In the basement ballroom only
Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Non-Standing timings
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 09:00 – 01:00 hours
Recorded Music (indoors & outdoors)
Monday – Sunday 06:30 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Lobby Lounge – (unamplified background music)
Monday to Sunday 24 hours a day
Restaurant – (unamplified background music)
Monday – Wednesday 06:30 – 23:30 hours
Thursday – Saturday 06:30 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Sunday 06:30 – 23:00 hours
Terrace Area - (unamplified background music)
Monday – Wednesday 09:00 – 23:30 hours
Thursday – Saturday 09:00 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Sunday 09:00 – 23:00 hours
Ballroom (amplified music)
Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Non-Standing timings
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 09:00 – 01:00 hours
Performance of Dance (indoors in the ballroom)
Monday – Sunday – 12:00 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Non-Standing timings
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 09:00 – 01:00 hours
Late Night Refreshments (Indoors)
Monday – Sunday – 23:00 – 00:00 hours (midnight)
Non-Standing timings
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 23:00 – 01:00 hours
Opening times
Monday – Sunday – 24 hours (00:30 hours to non residents)
Conditions
1. The ballroom will be hired for private use only. All functions will be pre-booked, and no members of the general public will be permitted entry.
2. The premises shall install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system. All entry and exit points will be covered enabling frontal identification of every person entering in any light condition. The CCTV system shall continually record whilst the premises are open and conducting licensable activities. All recordings shall be stored for a minimum period of 31 days with date and time stamping. Recordings shall be made available upon the request of Police or authorised officer throughout the preceding 31 day period, such copies shall in any event be provided within forty-eight (48) hours. Notices shall be displayed advertising that CCTV is in operation.
3. An incident log shall be kept at the premises, and made available on request to an authorised officer of the Council or the Police, which will record the following:
(a) All crimes reported
(b) All ejections of patrons
(c) Any complaints received
(d) Any incidents of disorder
(e) Any faults in the CCTV system.
(f) Any refusal of the sale of alcohol
(g) Any visit by a relevant authority or emergency service.
4. Notices shall be prominently displayed at all exits requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and businesses and leave the area quietly.
5. No deliveries will be received or removal of rubbish, especially glass, take place between 23.00 and 08.00 daily.
6. The Challenge 25 proof of age policy will be operated and only a photographic driving licence, a valid passport, a valid UK Armed Forces photographic identity card with the bearer`s photograph on it or Home Office approved proof of age card with the bearer`s photograph and the PASS logo / hologram on it will be accepted as proof of age.
7. Training for all staff on underage sales will be documented and repeated at regular intervals. The training will ensure staff understand the principle of Challenge 25. The scheme shall be made available for inspection at the request of the Licensing Authority, Trading Standards and Metropolitan Police.
8. The premises will display publicity materials relating to the Challenge 25 scheme.
9. Loudspeakers shall not be in the entrance lobby or outside the premise building or at the roof top bar.
10.All windows and external doors shall be kept closed after 21:00 hours, or at any time when regulated entertainment takes place, except for the immediate access & egress of persons.
11.No noise shall emanate from the premises nor vibration be transmitted through the structure of the premises, which gives rise to a public nuisance or to affect neighbouring properties
12.No substantial deliveries to the premises shall take place between 22:00 hours and 08:00 hours the following day.
13.No idling of vehicle by drivers, delivery vehicles passengers, pick up or uber drivers outside the hotel or at Norway Place or use the residential parking of Earl Atlee and Park Height Court building thereby giving rise to noise that would cause public nuisance or affect the residents.
14.After 22:00 hours daily, patrons permitted to temporarily leave and then re-enter the premises, e.g., to smoke, shall be limited to 10 persons at any one time.
15.Patrons are to use the entrance by Norway Place and not gather or congregate by Wharf Place which is the exit access road for the residents.
16.Notices shall be prominently at all exits requesting and advising patrons to respect the needs of residents and businesses and leave the area quietly
17.The garden in front of the hotel forecourt is to be used as smoking designated area.
18.There shall be no vertical drinking in the terrace area.
Supporting documents:
- Limehouse Library cover report- 11 Oct 22, item 3.2 PDF 435 KB
- Limehouse Library Appendices Only- 11 Oct 22, item 3.2 PDF 9 MB