Two Brick Lane Venues Granted Alcohol Licences with Conditions
Tower Hamlets councillors have approved alcohol licences for two venues in the Brick Lane area, but with specific conditions attached due to the location's cumulative impact zone restrictions. The decisions, made public last week, followed a licensing sub-committee hearing on February 5 involving Labour councillors Shubo Hussain and Faroque Ahmed, and independent councillor Ayas Miah.
Istituto Marangoni's Limited Licence
Istituto Marangoni, a fashion and design school at 30 Fashion Street, sought a licence to sell alcohol from its ground floor cafeteria. Initially, the application appeared confused, suggesting coverage of the entire ground floor with a potential capacity of up to 240 people. However, premises supervisor Enrico Bauso clarified that the licence would only apply to the cafeteria, which seats just 37 people according to floor plans.
The sub-committee noted that alcohol sales would cease by 8.30pm and the cafeteria would not be open to the general public. With these limitations, councillors determined the impact would be potentially negligible. They granted the licence with a condition requiring customers to drink while seated, ensuring minimal disruption in the cumulative impact zone.
49 Brick Lane's Conditional Approval
The same committee reviewed an application from Dipum Harshal for a new premises licence covering the basement and ground floor of 49 Brick Lane, the site of the former Seven Stars Pub, vacant since at least 2005. As a former pub, the building already holds a premises licence that could be used even if the council denied the new application.
Councillors decided that granting a new licence with enhanced conditions, including a noise limiter, would provide stronger protections for residents compared to the existing licence. This approach allows the council greater control over alcohol sales on the premises, addressing concerns within the cumulative impact zone.
Impact of Cumulative Impact Zone
Both venues are located within Brick Lane's cumulative impact zone, which limits the number of premises licences to prevent over-concentration of alcohol-selling establishments. The sub-committee's decisions reflect a balanced approach, weighing the benefits of controlled licensing against potential negative impacts on the community.
By imposing conditions such as restricted hours, seating requirements, and noise limiters, Tower Hamlets aims to mitigate risks while allowing these venues to operate. This strategy highlights the council's commitment to managing the area's nightlife responsibly, ensuring that new licences do not exacerbate existing challenges in the vibrant Brick Lane neighbourhood.
