Hackney,
29
May
2015
|
16:04
Europe/London

Have your say on Hackney's Licensing Policy proposals

Hackney Town Hall

Hackney is one of London’s top night-time destinations, and over the past four years it has seen the number of alcohol and entertainment licences rise by a quarter. Now, the Council wants your views on proposals that aim to manage the growth of borough’s vibrant nightlife while balancing the needs of residents.

Through its draft Licensing Policy proposals the Council aims to ensure that hospitality venues thrive and grow throughout the borough. The policy outlines how the growth of licensed premises will be managed, including making sure it is in areas which will not adversely affect residents living in the area.

The document also sets out the principles that the Council will apply when considering applications under the Licensing Act 2003, such as alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment.

Residents and businesses can have their say on proposals, including a borough wide opening hours policy; and a proposed extension to the Shoreditch Special Policy Area (SPA).

 

Cllr Emma Plouviez, Licencing Chair, Hackney Council
Hackney has a hugely diverse range of restaurants, bars and clubs, attracting both local people and people from across London. This is good for the local economy – but as the numbers of licensed premises increases, we have to work together to manage this growth in a way that balances the interests of all local businesses and residents.

The proposed changes to the licensing policy do not mean that we won’t grant new licenses. They provide guidelines intended to help secure well-managed, appropriate and attractive venues in all the different areas of Hackney.

Whether you run a local licensed premises, a different type of business, or you live in Hackney we want to hear your ideas about licensed premises and what you think about these proposals.
Cllr Emma Plouviez, Licencing Chair, Hackney Council

The proposals being put forward will only affect applications for new licences or variations of existing licences. It would not stop new licenses from being granted, but it would enable the Council to manage the growth of entertainment and hospitality premises to ensure that their businesses do not have an adverse effect on the local area.

The Council’s current Licensing Policy has been in place since 2011 and by law the Council has to review it at least once every five years. Hackney Council is taking this opportunity to looks at ways that the boroughs vibrant hospitality industry can continue to thrive while ensuring it doesn’t greatly impact on the quality of life of the people who live nearby.

The number of licences for alcohol and late night entertainment have increased consistently since the last policy review; between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2014 there were 342 licences granted under the Licensing Act 2003. In Hackney there are currently 1292 valid licences held for alcohol, late night refreshment and entertainment.

Evidence collated by the Council shows that noise and anti-social behaviour, as well as alcohol related ambulance calls occur in areas of the borough where there are concentrations of licensed premises.

It is proposed to extend the boundary of the Shoreditch Special Policy Area (SPA) south to the borough boundaries with the City, Islington and Tower Hamlets and west to the Old Street Roundabout along the southern part of City Road.

Other areas being consulted upon include: a borough wide hours policy with different opening hours for town centres and residential areas; relaxation of the Dalston SPA; and new acceptable hours for restaurants, theatres and cinemas in town centres.

Evidence collated by the Council shows that noise and anti-social behaviour, as well as alcohol related ambulance calls occur in areas of the borough where there are concentrations of licensed premises.

It is proposed to extend the boundary of the Shoreditch Special Policy Area (SPA) south to the borough boundaries with the City, Islington and Tower Hamlets and west to the Old Street Roundabout along the southern part of City Road.

Other areas being consulted upon include: a borough wide hours policy with different opening hours for town centres and residential areas; relaxation of the Dalston SPA; and new acceptable hours for restaurants, theatres and cinemas in town centres.

A premises licence, club premises certificate or temporary event notice is required to authorise alcohol sales or supply, entertainment and/or late night refreshment in places such as pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, off- licences, takeaways and members clubs.

Fill in the online questionnaire and consultation documents or, email comments to: consultation@hackney.gov.uk

Consultation packs are available from the Licensing Service and comments can be submitted to FREEPOST HACKNEY LICENSING SERVICE. Comments must be received by 5pm on Friday, 14 August 2015.