Tower Hamlets Council's Licensing Sub Committee has refused a new premises licence for 5 Akhis Whitechapel, located at 42 Whitechapel Road. The application was for late-night refreshments only, described as a fast-food restaurant with capacity to seat 45 people across its ground and first floors.
The decision was made on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, following significant concerns raised by the Licensing Authority and the Environmental Protection team. The primary objections centred on the proposed late operating hours, extending until 2 am daily, and the premises' location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).
Licensing Authority representatives highlighted that the requested hours significantly exceeded the council's framework hours. The council's standard framework hours are 06:00 to 23:30 Monday to Thursday, 06:00 to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 06:00 to 22:30 on Sunday. An application until 2 am would be two and a half hours later than the framework hours on Monday to Thursday, two hours later on Friday and Saturday, and three and a half hours later on a Sunday. They argued that the application did not provide sufficient detail on how the applicant would mitigate the potential impact on the CIZ.
The Brick Lane CIZ aims to manage the negative cumulative impact of the concentration of licensed premises in this area, addressing stresses on local amenity, environmental degradation, and the strain on emergency and regulatory services. Environmental Protection echoed these concerns, pointing to the lack of detailed noise mitigation measures in the operating schedule and the potential for public nuisance due to the late hours sought. Specifically, they highlighted concerns about increased footfall, customer congregation, and noise breakout during sensitive early-morning periods.
The applicant was notified of the hearing but did not attend. The Licensing Officer confirmed that the applicant had been contacted by phone and was aware of the hearing but chose not to attend, stating they had received the invitation but were not attending. The Licensing Officer got the feeling they didn't think they had to attend.
The committee noted the applicant's absence as a concern.
Given the applicant's failure to attend and present their case, coupled with the significant concerns raised by responsible authorities regarding the premises' location and proposed hours, the committee opted to refuse the application. The meeting concluded with the statement that the decision would be notified within five working days, and that the applicant has the right to appeal.
This decision was made in line with the council's licensing objectives and guidance for licensing sub-committees. See Guidance for Licensing Sub.
