A Stoke Newington bar is facing renewed scrutiny over its bid to extend its late-night licence, with residents and the Metropolitan Police raising significant concerns about noise, public nuisance, and potential crime and disorder.

Bar A Bar, located at 133-135 Stoke Newington Road, applied to vary its premises licence to include plays and films, and to extend operating hours for live music, recorded music, performance of dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. The proposed extended hours were from 12:00 to 02:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 12:00 to 05:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposed hours for plays and films are the same as these extended hours for anything of a similar description .

However, the application was met with numerous objections from local residents who cited years of persistent disturbances, including noise, anti-social behaviour, litter, and public urination. One resident, who lives opposite the venue, described the situation as unbearable living conditions and stated they had spent £15,000 on soundproofing their windows, yet still experienced significant noise. Bar A Bar has a history of licensing issues and complaints, with residents lodging numerous objections detailing ongoing problems for years despite previous attempts at resolution. The premises has held a licence since 2005, transferred to the current applicant in 2007.

The Metropolitan Police also raised objections, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance. While the police initially withdrew their representation following constructive negotiations regarding amendments to the proposed operating hours, they later reinstated it due to concerns that the premises had allegedly operated beyond its current licence hours. PC Lucy Warrell stated that the police had zero confidence in the current management and that recent events had undermined our confidence . The police noted that such conduct undermines confidence in the management and operation of the premises and has further increased our concerns regarding compliance with the licensing objectives.

During a licensing sub-committee hearing on Thursday, 30 July 2026, residents presented detailed accounts of disturbances, supported by video evidence. They highlighted issues such as patrons congregating outside the venue late into the night, shouting, fighting, and leaving litter and other waste. Residents' representations also highlight a long history of shouting, screaming, aggressive behaviour, groups hanging around outside, noise from vehicles, playing music, slamming of car doors at three, four in the morning.

The applicant's representative, Kiriakos Poulos, argued that the proposed extensions were necessary for the venue to sustain itself financially and cater to a changing nightlife economy. He stated that the requested hours had been negotiated with various authorities and that the venue had made drastic measures to improve security and soundproofing. These measures include purchasing a metal detector, hiring extra security, and improving soundproofing with three soundproof doors . However, the effectiveness of these measures is contested by residents and the police. PC Lucy Warrell noted, There is no evidence of enhanced security, dispersal policies or strategies to manage patrons leaving the premises late at night. The metal detector was also reportedly removed after being asked to do so.

Despite previous assurances and implemented measures, residents' concerns persisted. The committee deliberated on the significant number of objections from residents and the police's concerns regarding the management's reliability and adherence to licensing objectives. The current operating licence for Bar A Bar permits live music until 03:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, recorded music and performance of dance until 03:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, late night refreshment until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and the supply of alcohol until 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue's opening hours are currently until 03:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

A decision on the application was expected to be communicated within five working days. The meeting information does not explicitly detail the specific criteria the licensing sub-committee uses to assess the 'reliability and adherence to licensing objectives' of a venue's management, but it is implied that they consider representations from responsible authorities and other persons, historical breaches, complaints, and the applicant's proposed measures to uphold the licensing objectives.

Public reports pack Thursday 30-Jul-2026 19.00 Licensing Sub Committee A.pdf