Hackney's Licensing Sub Committee C is set to review a licensing application for A Plaice for Lost Soles, a new restaurant at 379-380 Mentmore Terrace, amid concerns from local residents about potential noise and public nuisance.

The committee will meet on Monday, 10 November 2025, to discuss the application by A Plaice for Lost Soles Limited, which seeks authorisation for late-night refreshment and the supply of alcohol, both on and off the premises. The applicant is seeking authorisation for late night refreshment indoors Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 00:00, with non-standard hours closing at 00:00 on Sundays immediately before Bank Holiday Mondays. The standard hours for the supply of alcohol on and off premises are Monday to Thursday 10:00 -23:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00 - 00:00, and Sunday 10:00 - 22:30, with non-standard hours closing at 00:00 on Sundays immediately before Bank Holiday Mondays. The application is detailed in the Public reports pack.

According to the Public reports pack, a resident of Fabrik East, Helmsley Place, E8 raised concerns regarding public nuisance, specifically focusing on odour and noise. The resident stated:

  • Kitchen extraction – odour and plant noise toward our balcony
  • Customer noise, dispersal, smoking and deliveries/collections

In response, A Plaice for Lost Soles LTD sent a letter to a neighbour, included in the Public reports pack, outlining measures to mitigate these concerns. The restaurant committed to installing a modern kitchen extract system and implementing management procedures to ensure customers use Mentmore Terrace for arrival and departure, rather than Helmsley Place. The applicant stated they will ensure that they install a modern and robust kitchen extract system, and that management procedures will be implemented to promote good behaviour and ensure customers arrive and depart via Mentmore Terrace and not via Helmsley Place. The effectiveness of these measures is not explicitly detailed in terms of monitoring and enforcement, but the proposed licence conditions include maintaining a dedicated telephone number for complaints and implementing a written dispersal policy.

The Public reports pack also lists proposed licence conditions, including:

  • Alcohol service limited to seated patrons, except in designated areas or for pre-booked events.
  • Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system.
  • A staff member conversant with the CCTV system to be present at all times.
  • Off-premises alcohol sales to be in sealed containers only and ancillary to takeaway meals.
  • Prohibition of patrons taking drinks or open containers outside the premises.
  • Prominent signage reminding customers to respect local residents and leave quietly.
  • Operation of a Challenge 25 proof-of-age scheme.
  • Maintenance of an incident log available to council or police officers.
  • Zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, in compliance with Hackney Police guidelines.
  • Provision of adequate first aid equipment.
  • Refresher training for staff every six months on alcohol sales regulations.
  • A dedicated contact number for the Designated Premises Supervisor or duty manager.
  • Implementation of a written dispersal policy.
  • Yearly refresher training for staff on alcohol sales and handling intoxicated individuals.
  • Proper waste management procedures, including timely waste disposal and litter checks.
  • Provision of a receptacle for cigarette ends.
  • Maintenance of a visible trade waste agreement.

The document mentions that A written dispersal policy shall be implemented at all times that licensable activities are provided at the premises. A copy of the policy shall be kept on the premises and produced to the police or an authorised officer upon request.

The document mentions that the premises will operate a zero-tolerance policy to drugs and comply with Hackney Police Drugs, Weapons and Search policy. However, the specific guidelines of the Hackney Police Drugs, Weapons and Search policy are not detailed in the provided text.

The Licensing Sub Committee C, consisting of Councillor Sem Moema, Councillor Sharon Patrick, and Councillor Gilbert Smyth, will consider the application during the meeting. The agenda for the meeting also includes a discussion of temporary event notices and a hearing procedure guide.