A Hackney Road bar has had its temporary licence application refused due to fears of noise disturbance to local residents. The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for A Portuguese Love Affair, located at 324-326 Hackney Road. The committee is tasked with upholding licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

Environmental Health had objected to the TEN, citing complaints from residents about noise from speakers during a previous event on 1 August 2026. Two residents reported loud amplified music and loud noise coming from Ion Square Park, linked to the premises. They described speakers outside hidden in bushes along with 2 large tents on the greenery, with customers moving between the park and the venue. Environmental Health's objection stated that the application failed to comply with the objective of preventing public nuisance due to potential noise breakout from the venue affecting neighbouring residents from an outdoor event in Ion Square Park.

Maps showing the locations of the two Temporary Event Notices considered by the Licensing Sub Committee.
Maps showing the locations of the two Temporary Event Notices considered by the Licensing Sub Committee.

While the committee acknowledged a lack of clarity regarding the precise area the TEN would cover, they were satisfied this could be clarified. However, the committee found insufficient evidence of public nuisance, stating that the mere allegation of hearing of loud music was not sufficient to allow the Sub-Committee to determine that the event would be likely to adversely impact the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance.

Despite considering the modest hours sought (16:00 to 22:00) and a maximum of 70 attendees, the Sub-Committee ultimately decided to refuse to issue a counter-notice. They did, however, stress the importance of the premises user having an appropriate method for ensuring permitted numbers were not exceeded, suggesting the use of wristbands. The meeting documents do not detail the specific process for reapplying for a TEN, but to address the committee's concerns, the applicant would likely need to provide clearer evidence of noise levels and implement a robust system for managing attendee numbers.

Floor plan of the premises at 324-326 Hackney Road, E2 7AX, showing the basement and ground floor layouts.
Floor plan of the premises at 324-326 Hackney Road, E2 7AX, showing the basement and ground floor layouts.

For another application considered at the same meeting, Island Roots Collective Studio, concerns included potential nuisance from dispersing patrons and late hours requested until 2 am. Additional issues raised were the potential for a large number of attendees, insufficient SIA operatives, and the applicant's admitted lack of experience in organising such events. The full details of the meeting and decisions can be found in the Public reports pack 12th-Aug-2026 14.00 Licensing Sub Committee and the Decisions 12th-Aug-2026 14.00 Licensing Sub Committee.