New Hackney bar Golden Food gets late licence despite resident fears

A new bar in Hackney has been granted a late-night licence despite concerns raised by local residents about potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

The Licensing Sub-Committee E of Hackney Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to consider the premises licence application for Golden Food, located at 368 Kingsland Road.

The committee approved the application, allowing the venue to serve alcohol, provide live and recorded music, and offer late-night refreshment until 01:30 on Thursdays to Saturdays, and until 23:30 on other days. The premises will be open to the public until 02:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays and 00:00 on other days.

Concerns were raised by a local resident regarding the proximity of the venue to an existing public house and a known congregation point for anti-social behaviour. The resident also expressed worries about noise from live music and potential loitering outside the premises.

However, the sub-committee was satisfied that a comprehensive set of conditions attached to the licence would adequately address these concerns and promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The applicant provided assurances through proposed robust measures to mitigate risks and comprehensive and robust conditions that had been proposed and agreed with the responsible authorities. ¹

These conditions include the mandatory employment of SIA-licensed door supervisors from 21:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays and on other late-trading nights, regular checks of the external area to prevent noise and loitering, and measures to prevent customers from congregating outside. The venue will also be required to display prominent notices asking customers to leave quietly and will arrange quarterly meetings with local residents. The applicant's involvement in schemes like Hackney Nights and Pub Watch was also noted as a positive factor.

Additionally, the licence mandates the installation of a tamper-proof noise-limiting device, the keeping of windows and doors closed during regulated entertainment, and the operation of a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales. A detailed dispersal policy will also be implemented to ensure customers leave in an orderly manner. The applicant also agreed to incorporate a condition that door supervisors and staff will ensure there is sufficient clear pavement space for pedestrians to pass.

The sub-committee noted that the requested hours extended beyond the council's usual core hours. The council's Statement of Licensing Policy defines 'core hours' as Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 23:00, and Friday and Saturday: 08:00 to 00:00. The requested hours for Golden Food extended until 01:30 on Thursdays to Saturdays, which is beyond the core hours outlined in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. ² The decision document details these conditions extensively. ³

The decision also stated that the granting of the licence is without prejudice to any planning permission requirements.