Hackney residents are voicing concerns over a Papa John's application to extend its late-night refreshment hours until 5 AM daily at its 32a Eastway location. The Hackney Council Licensing Sub Committee B convened on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, to discuss the application, which has drawn objections from local residents and the Licensing Authority.
The application to vary a premises licence and supporting documents, representations from responsible authorities and other persons, the current license, and a location map are detailed in the Public reports pack.
Residents fear the extended hours will lead to increased public nuisance, crime, and safety issues in the predominantly residential area. Three representations from local residents cited concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
Eastend Pizza Ltd, the applicant, has proposed several steps to mitigate these concerns and promote the four licensing objectives. These include:
- Strong management controls and effective training of all staff.
- CCTV system installed with recording option available.
- Not serving or selling alcohol.
- No customer seating area or toilets.
- Measures to reduce noise.
- Internal and external lighting fixed to promote public safety.
- Well-trained staff adherence to environmental health requirements.
- A log book or recording system for inspections and public safety conditions.
- Maintenance of all parts of the premises in good order.
- Completion of a fire safety risk assessment.
- Displaying notices requesting the public to respect nearby residents.
- Deliveries carried out at times to prevent nuisance.
- Staff conduct to avoid disturbance to nearby residents.
- Drivers instructed to arrive and depart quietly.
The Licensing Authority also submitted a representation, noting that the requested hours exceed the LP3 Core Hours outlined in the council's licensing policy. The Licensing Authority stated that the applicant had offered no additional conditions or mitigations in support of the extended hours sought, and that the premises is located in close proximity to residential flats, which may undermine the promotion of the licensing objectives. The Licensing Authority requested evidence of the current planning status of the premises, and asked whether the applicant would consider reducing the hours sought or restricting the operation to delivery only after a specified time.
Wick Ward councillors also objected to the application, stating that the premises are in a residential area and that the application would undermine the licensing objective of prevention of public nuisance. Councillor Chris Kennedy, Hackney Wick Ward, London Borough of Hackney Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, said the application would undermine the licensing objective of prevention of public nuisance.
One local resident stated that the area is residential with numerous flats overlooking the pizza shop, and that there are only 3 other retail outlets which all close by midnight. The resident also stated that the bus stop on the weekends is already quite horrible and stops them getting much sleep.
The Police representation had been withdrawn following discussion with the applicant.
The Hackney Council licensing policy states that hours for licensable activity will generally be authorised as follows: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday 08:00 to 00:00, Sunday 10:00 to 22:30. The Licensing Authority noted that the hours sought were in excess of these core hours.
Eastend Pizza Ltd has applied to vary a premises licence for Papa John's, 32a Eastway, London, E9 5JB. The applicant was seeking to extend the hours for late night refreshment to 05:00 every day. The application is detailed in the Public reports pack.