A Hackney deli can now serve alcohol to customers eating on site until 9pm every day, despite objections from neighbours worried about noise and disorder.
Licensing Sub-Committee D approved a variation to the licence of Mira Food Store, at 192 Southgate Road, London N1 3HU, adding the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The store’s current licence permitted off-sales of alcohol between 11am and 8pm daily.
The 9pm cut-off is two hours earlier than the 11pm the applicant originally requested, following mediation with the local community.
Several residents lodged representations against the plans, concerned about increases in public nuisance, crime and disorder. They pointed to existing problems with a nearby pub and feared the cumulative impact on the residential area. Their concerns included noise from customers congregating outside, litter, potential anti-social behaviour, and pavement obstruction caused by planters and waste disposal.
The applicant, Zehra Mamali, argued that Mira Food Store is a food-led boutique deli, not a pub, and that alcohol would be served only as an ancillary item to seated diners. They said they were willing to restrict alcohol sales and dining hours to 9pm to address residents’ concerns.
In its decision, the sub-committee said it was satisfied the licensing objectives would not be undermined. It described the applicant as a credible and responsible operator who had cooperated with responsible authorities and mediated with the local community, which led to the reduction in hours.
The current licence for Mira Food Store permitted off-sales of alcohol between 11am and 8pm daily. The premises are open to the public from 8am to 8.30pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 8.30pm on weekends.
Measures to Mitigate Noise and Disorder
Mira Food Store will implement several measures to prevent noise and disorder from customers congregating outside. These include ensuring customers do not congregate, smoke noisily, or drink outside on the pavement. Signs will be prominently displayed at all entrance and exit points reminding customers to leave quietly and respect local residents. A final check of the area immediately outside the premises will be made at close of business to remove any litter, bottles, and glasses emanating from the premises. A safe receptacle for cigarette ends will be provided outside for customer use, placed carefully so as not to cause an obstruction or trip.
Alcohol Service and Waste Management
The store will ensure that alcohol is served exclusively as an ancillary item to seated diners and not for takeaway consumption during on-site hours by implementing table service only, with alcohol served by waiting staff to seated diners. There will be no bar area, no standing around with drinks, and no option to visit solely for alcohol consumption. All off-sales of alcohol will be in sealed containers for consumption away from the premises.
Mira Food Store will manage waste responsibly, keeping it in dedicated bin storage. They will adjust the placement of planters to guarantee clear, unobstructed pedestrian access for all passersby and wheelchair users. The store will ensure sufficient measures are in place to remove and prevent litter or waste arising or accumulating from customers in the area immediately outside the premises, and this area will be swept and/or washed, with litter and sweepings collected and stored in accordance with approved refuse storage arrangements by close of business. They will also ensure that any contract for general and recyclable waste disposal is appropriate in size to the amount of waste produced and maintain an adequate supply of waste receptacles. Regular checks of the area immediately outside the premises will be made to remove any litter, bottles, and glasses emanating from the premises, with a final check at close of business.
Mediation and Hours
The mediation between the applicant and the local community resulted in a considerable reduction of the originally applied-for hours to 9pm. The applicant stated they were happy to restrict alcohol sales and dining hours to 9pm Monday through Sunday, rather than the initially proposed 11pm, to reassure residents and ensure zero late-night disruption. The operating hours for seated dining and alcohol sales are strictly limited to 9pm every day, including weekends.
