A Dalston venue's late-night licence has been significantly curtailed following concerns raised by residents and council officers regarding noise and potential public nuisance.

The Licensing Sub-Committee D of Hackney Council met on Monday, July 20, 2026, to consider an application for a premises licence for The Playroom, a basement venue located at 75 Kingsland High Street. The applicant, London LJ Limited, had sought authorisation for recorded music until 3am and alcohol sales until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

However, representations were received from the Environmental Protection team, citing a history of noise complaints and statutory nuisance at the premises. The team documented three noise complaints on June 28, 2026, related to loud music, and a statutory nuisance was witnessed on February 21, 2026. Following this, a warning letter was issued, and a subsequent meeting led to a review of subwoofer use and a commitment to install sound insulation.

Local residents and the Rio Cross Residents Association also raised objections, highlighting concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. They pointed to the venue's location in a densely populated residential area and within the Dalston Special Consideration Area (SCA), arguing that the proposed hours would exacerbate existing anti-social behaviour and noise issues in Gillett Square.

Gillett Square is identified as a well-known anti-social behaviour hotspot, with council records citing high levels of anti-social behaviour, drug use and violence. A joint police and Council operation in 2022 issued over 100 ASB warnings in the immediate area. Concerns were raised about patrons leaving the premises and potentially engaging in shouting, singing, arguments, and drug use in the square, which is described as an echo chamber due to its enclosed nature. The history at the adjacent basement venue (79 Kingsland High Street), which had its licence revoked in 2017 due to inadequate security and incidents involving weapons, was also cited. Furthermore, a 2020 licence application for the same address was refused due to the area being saturated with other vertical drinking establishments.

The Rio Cinema and surrounding street scene, associated with the Rio Cross Residents' Association.
The Rio Cinema and surrounding street scene, associated with the Rio Cross Residents' Association.

During the hearing, the applicant's agent, Rhys Rose, stated that the venue was intended to support independent theatre and arts, and that the proposed hours were to test viability. He offered to implement additional conditions, including a dedicated contact email for residents and a commitment to communicate with community groups. He also indicated a willingness to reduce the hours to midnight on weekends, aligning with the SCA policy.

The Dalston Special Consideration Area (SCA) policy requires applicants to demonstrate an understanding of issues arising from a Cumulative Impact Assessment. For late-night venues, this typically means hours beyond the council's core licensing hours will only be considered if the applicant can prove their proposed activity will not add to the cumulative impact already experienced in the area. The policy is strictly applied, and the applicant bears the burden of proof.

The Playroom has previously operated under Temporary Event Notices (TENs), conducting extended gradual series of 15 weekends of test events. During this period, the applicant identified noise issues early on and responded by cancelling upcoming events, liaising with residents and EHO teams, carrying out works and testing, and then restarting. The applicant stated that they found they were having problems with antisocial behaviour and noise in the alleyway themselves, which was less well managed than when SIA security was operating. However, they also noted that a police officer believed they were actually helping to create a better environment in Gillett Square by being a well managed premises.

Following extensive discussion, the committee decided to grant the premises licence but with a significant reduction in the proposed hours. Alcohol sales and recorded music will now cease by midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, aligning with the SCA policy.

Floor plan and local area map for 75 Kingsland High Street, Basement, London, E8 2PB, detailing premises redlines, emergency routes, and fire fighting equipment.
Floor plan and local area map for 75 Kingsland High Street, Basement, London, E8 2PB, detailing premises redlines, emergency routes, and fire fighting equipment.

Additional conditions were imposed regarding noise control, dispersal, and communication with residents. These include a sound limiting device to control amplified sound, keeping doors closed except for ingress and egress, displaying notices requesting patrons leave quietly, restricting the smoking area to a private alleyway with a maximum of six patrons, and staff monitoring outdoor behaviour. A dispersal policy will be implemented to ensure patrons leave quickly and quietly. The applicant will also provide a dedicated contact email for the Designated Premises Supervisor to be displayed publicly.

Mechanisms for monitoring compliance and addressing future breaches include a comprehensive CCTV system, an incident log recording crimes, complaints, and visits by authorities, and reporting of relevant instances of crime or disorder to the police. Staff will receive refresher training every six months, and records will be kept. The Council's Environmental Protection team will oversee noise control measures, and authorised officers of Hackney Council and the Police will have access to CCTV footage, incident logs, and training records, with the ability to request licence reviews for breaches.

Hackney Town Hall, the venue for the Licensing Sub-Committee D meeting.
Hackney Town Hall, the venue for the Licensing Sub-Committee D meeting.