An Irish pub, Howl at the Moon in Hoxton, has been granted permission for up to 30 customers to drink outside its premises despite residents’ concerns over noise and blocked pavements.
The new licence extends outdoor drinking hours. Customers can now drink outside after 8pm, with a cap of 20 people after 10pm. Previously, only seven people were allowed outside after 8pm, and only to smoke.
Hackney Council issued its final written decision on 29 October following a licensing sub-committee hearing on 21 October.
There were no objections raised by any authorities, though some locals submitted written complaints. However, there is no public record as to the number of people who objected to the licence.
The pub sits on the corner of Hoxton Street and Stanway Street, with the latter’s flats being approximately eight-10 metres from the side entrance and outdoor drinking area.
During the hearing, Cllr Kam Adams (Labour, Hoxton East and Shoreditch) said residents had reported noise at closing time and customers blocking pavements, causing difficulties for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.
Stanway Street is a narrow residential side street, resulting in the flats and smoking areas being separated solely by a narrow strip of pavement on a one-way street.
The committee acknowledged residents’ “genuine and valid concerns” but approved the changes, saying the measures put in place would address the issues.
They also ruled that outdoor furniture must be removed by 10pm and drinks taken outside after 8pm must be in plastic cups.
Under the new conditions, the venue must provide nearby residents with a direct phone number for the duty manager and an email address for raising concerns.
The pub is also required to hold quarterly meetings with local residents, giving them an opportunity to discuss concerns about its operation. A date for the first meeting has yet to be confirmed.
The decision allows the pub to welcome larger evening crowds, with residents waiting to see whether the new safeguards will ease their concerns.
