Hackney Police have raised concerns over a proposed licence variation for Damsel, a venue on Kingsland Road, citing worries about potential increases in crime and disorder, particularly given its proximity to the Shoreditch Special Policy Area. Police note that the A10 corridor, where Damsel is located, is a major route in and out of Shoreditch. Although not within the Special Policy Area itself, it is close enough to be subject to the same concerns regarding the saturation of licensed premises and the potential for negative impacts on the local area and residents.

The Hackney Council Licensing Sub Committee E met on Monday 30 June 2025 to discuss the application from Damsel Collective Ltd to vary its premises licence at 70-72 Kingsland Road. The meeting agenda presented two options for the Licensing Sub-Committee regarding Damsel's licence variation application:

  • Option 1: That the application be refused.
  • Option 2: That the application be approved, together with any conditions or restrictions which Members consider necessary for the promotion of the Licensing objectives.

The company sought to remove two key conditions of its existing licence:

  • Condition 9: Intoxicating liquor shall not be sold or supplied on the premises otherwise than to persons taking table meals there for consumption by such a person as an ancillary to his meal.
  • Condition 26: A minimum of one SIA registered door supervisor shall be on duty from Thursdays to Sundays from 22:00 hours and until 30 minutes after all the patrons have left the premises.

The application proposed replacing condition 26 with a new condition: SIA registered door supervisors shall be on duty on a risk assessed basis.

Police voiced apprehension over the joint removal of these conditions, which they believe could allow the premises to operate as a bar or club until 01:30 without mandated security personnel. PC 3288CE Amanda Griggs of the Metropolitan Police Service, in a representation included in the Public reports pack, noted that the premises is situated on the A10 corridor, close to the Shoreditch Special Policy Area, where there is a high concentration of licensed venues. The police stated that the proposals, as they are, undermine the Licensing objectives and there are no additional conditions that would mitigate the increased risk that come with this.

Map showing the location of Damsel at 70-72 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DP.
Map showing the location of Damsel at 70-72 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DP.Source: Licensing Sub Committee E papers, 30 June 2025

PC Griggs also requested that the CCTV conditions be updated to ensure recordings can be downloaded, arguing that cameras may act as a deterrent to crime and disorder, unless it records and can be downloaded it is of minimal value.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was presented with several options, including refusing the application or approving it with added conditions. Licensing officers suggested a number of additional conditions should the sub-committee be minded to approve the application, including:

  • SIA registered door supervisors shall be on duty on a risk assessed basis.
  • No drinks, glass and/or open containers of alcohol shall be permitted in the external area of the premises.
  • Implementation of a Challenge 25 policy.
  • Maintenance of a refusals book and an incident log.
  • Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system.
  • Staff training on waste disposal responsibilities and regular checks of the area outside the premises for litter.

The Environmental Health Authority (Environmental Enforcement) and the Licensing Authority initially submitted representations but withdrew them based on agreed conditions. These conditions are detailed in paragraph 8.1 of the LSC Report and include:

  • SIA registered door supervisors shall be on duty on a risk assessed basis.
  • No drinks, glass and/or open containers of alcohol shall be permitted in the external area of the premises.
  • There shall be a Challenge 25 policy operating at the premises.
  • A record shall be kept detailing all refused sales of alcohol.
  • An incident log shall be kept at the premises.
  • The licensee shall install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system.
  • No less than one member of staff who is able to operate the CCTV system shall be on the premises at all times.
  • The Licensee shall ensure that all staff are fully trained and made aware of the legal requirement of businesses to comply with their responsibility as regards the disposal of waste produced from the business premises.
  • The Licensee shall ensure that any contract for general and recyclable waste disposal shall be appropriate in size to the amount of waste produced by the business.
  • The Licensee's premises are situated in an area within which refuse may only be left on the public highway at certain times (time bands).
  • The Licensee shall instruct members of staff to make regular checks of the area immediately outside the premises and remove any litter, bottles and glasses emanating from the premises.
  • The Licensee shall provide a safe receptacle for cigarette ends to be placed outside for the use of customers.
  • The current trade waste agreement/duty of care waste transfer document shall be conspicuously displayed and maintained in the window of the premises.

Damsel describes itself as a pioneering women's community hub that will be established in vibrant East London. The application to vary the license states that the premises, previously a Vietnamese Restaurant, has been acquired by Damsel Collective Ltd, aka 'Damsel', who intend to turn the premises into a community-focused safe-space for women. Damsel further describes itself as:

  • a pioneering women's community hub that will be established in vibrant East London.
  • Designed as a dual aspect destination, it seamlessly transitions from Damsel DAY, a dynamic work-café and workshop hub offering skill building and creative opportunities, to Damsel NIGHT, a refined lounge and event space dedicated to fostering connection, empowerment, and celebration.
  • Rooted in inclusivity and community, Damsel provides a safe and inspiring environment where women can freely express themselves. With a meticulously curated menu, a robust schedule of engaging workshops, and expansive array of events, Damsel redefines what it means to create a space that prioritises creativity, connection, and self-expression.