Haringey Council's Special Licensing Sub Committee convened on Thursday to review the premises licence for the Hornsey Arms Ltd, formerly known as Hornsey Tavern, following a surge in complaints regarding crime, noise, and anti-social behaviour. The review application from the Noise and Nuisance team cites concerns that the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) and Mr. Kearns are unable to adhere to licensing objectives, specifically regarding the prevention of public nuisance. The application also includes a list of existing conditions related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children, implying that these conditions are not being adequately met.
The review was prompted by an application submitted by the Noise RA, supported by representations from the Metropolitan Police, ward councillors, and concerned residents. The application cited 82 reports of noise and nuisance since September 2022, including excessively loud music and disruptive behaviour outside the premises.
According to the application, officers from the Noise and Nuisance team attended a local resident's property on 13 January 2024, and issued an abatement notice after hearing excessively loud music emanating from the Hornsey Arms. Further incidents on 29 March 2024, and 15 February 2025, resulted in fixed penalty notices being issued.
In response to concerns raised, the Hornsey Arms Ltd took measures including increasing CCTV coverage and storage capacity, signing up to Licensing Connect (which includes WAVE training), and hiring two SIA door staff to assist with managing patrons and preventing disorder.
The Licensing police team also raised concerns about fights and the management's alleged inability to control patrons. Police data indicated that since March 2024, officers had been called to the premises on twenty six separate dates, with the majority of calls relating to violence. The police stated that a 16 year old had been served alcohol at 02:55am, which is against the conditions of the licence. The police stated that the premises was presenting as a Police hotspot for Violence against the person, Criminal damage and Public order offences.
Mr. Kearns, the director of Hornsey Arms Ltd, met with police and stated he would bar individuals who caused issues at the location. He also requested a meeting with police for advice on managing Irish Travellers who refused to leave and were fighting. Following a police visit on March 14th, 2025, Mr. Kearns acknowledged multiple breaches of the licensing conditions. After a second police visit, he decided to close the pub over the weekend of March 21st-23rd to prevent further incidents.
Councillor Adam Small, Hornsey Ward Councillor, submitted a representation on behalf of numerous concerned residents, stating that there was a consistent pattern of anti-social behaviour, noise disturbance, and criminal activity associated with the premises. Councillor Adam Small stated that the existing licence permits operation until 3:30am daily, with the supply of alcohol permitted until 3:00am, and that these hours are excessive and incompatible with the residential nature of the surrounding streets.
Local residents also voiced their concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. One resident stated that in the last few months the noise and disturbance coming from the pub and it's clients has become unbearable. On average we are woken up/unable to get to sleep at least 3/4 times a week.
The licensing authority is considering several options, including modifying the licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the Designated Premises Supervisor, suspending the licence for a period not exceeding three months, or revoking it altogether. The Sub-Committee will provide a written decision within five working days.