Islington Council's Licensing Sub Committee A convened on 4 November 2025, to review a new premises licence application submitted by Amnesty International UK for its headquarters, Peter Benenson House, located at 1 Easton Street.
The application seeks permission to host events with regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol. Amnesty International has also engaged with local residents regarding the application.
The human rights organisation is seeking permission for plays, films, live and recorded music, and dance performances between 16:00 and 22:00, Monday to Sunday. They are also applying for on and off sales of alcohol from 17:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday, and for opening hours from 08:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday.
The report pack for the meeting noted that the premises is located in the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area, requiring the Licensing Sub-Committee to consider Licensing Policy 3, which presumes refusal unless the Sub-Committee is satisfied there will be no adverse cumulative impact on licensing objectives.
The application form addresses the Cumulative Impact Area and Policy by suggesting a number of conditions in the Operating Schedule, and the applicants further endorse these conditions by accepting conditions suggested by Islington Council's Noise Service and Police.
According to the application, Peter Benenson House, described as the National Headquarters of Amnesty International UK, is a modern, purpose-designed building with office areas, meeting rooms, and flexible event spaces. These spaces are intended to host events supporting the organisation's charitable and educational objectives, including public talks, film screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and fundraising receptions.
The ground floor reception area and an internal cafe/bar space are designated for the sale and provision of alcohol during events, with all licensable activities confined to enclosed areas within the building. The application specifies that there is no designated area for alcohol consumption outside.
Suggested conditions of approval included measures to mitigate potential disturbances and ensure public safety:
- Noise or vibration must not emanate from the premises so as to cause a nuisance to nearby properties.
- CCTV shall be installed, operated, and maintained.
- An incident log shall be maintained at the premises.
- The premises shall operate the Challenge 25 proof of age scheme.
In response to concerns raised, Amnesty International wrote to representors to advise them of the nature of the premises, and agreed conditions have also been sent to the representors.
The Licensing Sub Committee A included Councillor Heather Staff (Chair of Licensing Committee and Migrants Champion), Councillor Gary Heather, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro (Deputy Mayor), and Councillor Bashir Ibrahim (Young People's Champion).
