A Hackney sushi bar’s bid to sell alcohol has gone before councillors after residents raised fears over noise, drunken behaviour and litter.
Hackney Council’s Licensing Sub Committee C met on Monday 9 November 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Tenma, a sushi bar at 1A Evering Road, London. The licensing service will inform the parties of the committee’s decision within five working days.
The application sought authorisation to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises between 11am and 11pm, and for consumption off the premises between 11am and 9pm, seven days a week. However, residents raised concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety.
One resident, living on Evering Road, objected to the application, citing potential noise from people drinking, shouting, and lingering on the street, as well as the risk of drunk and aggressive behaviour. Concerns were also raised about smoke from people drinking outside affecting residents' health and the potential for litter and obstruction on the narrow pavement, forcing pedestrians onto the busy road.
In response to these concerns, the applicant, Rintaro Makata, represented by licensing consultant Aysen Ipek Kilic, proposed a series of conditions. These included that alcohol sold for consumption on the premises would only be supplied to those taking a table meal, that there would be no vertical drinking, and no outdoor seating or drinking. Off-sales were to be made only with a food order and would end at 9pm. Additionally, notices would be displayed to encourage customers to respect residents and leave quietly, and staff would discourage congregating outside. Measures to manage waste and prevent litter were also proposed.
During the hearing, it was announced that one resident had withdrawn their representation after conditions were agreed. The applicant's representative highlighted that Tenma is a small, food-led sushi bar and not a drinking venue, and that the proposed hours are typical for a restaurant.
The subcommittee also discussed the need for an ashtray outside the premises, to which the applicant agreed to provide one.
