Tower Hamlets Council’s licensing sub-committee has upheld the decision to revoke an alcohol licence for Shiraz Food and Wine on Hackney Road, E2 and has also reduced the hours in which The New Globe public house on Mile End Road, E1 can serve alcohol. The decisions of the sub-committee are subject to appeal and the premises have until 19th March to lodge any appeal with Thames Magistrates’ Court.
The review of Shiraz was triggered by the Metropolitan Police following a visit by police, HMRC, and the council’s trading standards and licensing teams that unearthed 351 bottles of illicit smuggled alcohol. The licensing review was supported by Trading Standards who provided evidence of under-age sales and possible sales to vulnerable street drinkers.
A review into The New Globe pub was again triggered by police following incidents of disorder at the premises. The committee reduced the operating hours of the premises from 2am to 11.30pm on Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The sub-committee also ruled that the premises must install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system and that no drinks be taken outside of the pub.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “It is very important that premises licence holders in the borough continue to operate within the law. The council will continue to carry out checks on goods being sold across the borough.”
Cllr Ohid Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, added: “The decision to uphold these restrictions on selling alcohol by the licensing sub-committee sends a clear message. Residents should report any suspicions they may have about counterfeit goods being sold in Tower Hamlets.”
♦If you believe that an off licence is operating beyond its hours, you can report it by sending an email to the licensing department with details of the offence including the date and time. Send your email to: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk