Working in the nighttime economy is, by definition, not a nine to five job and inevitably needs some ‘wind down’ time once the bars, restaurants and clubs close.
One West London chain of shisha bars has led the way in late night opening, aimed mainly at those working in the gig economy, and Complete Licensing was on hand recently to secure the late, late licence which they felt their business needed.
Tiger Bay bar, in the London Borough of Ealing, already held a licence till 3am, but sought a further two-hour extension three nights a week in order to provide a service for hospitality workers, who make up the majority of its late night clientele.
Complete Licensing secured late licences for the group’s shisha bars in the boroughs of Brent and Hounslow earlier this year. Our application covered all bases to the extent that both councils granted the extensions with delegated authority, avoiding the need to apply to their licensing committees.
The application to Ealing for the Hanger Hill branch of Tiger Bay met some opposition from council officials, however. Environmental health officers objected to the move, suggesting it would cause noise nuisance for tenants living above the venue, despite the bar having been open for eight years.
Council officers claimed residents were “concerned” but no objections had been made from locals or police.
Complete Licensing’s advocate, Robert Sutherland, proved to the council that our experts had advised, checked and approved noise reduction measures to prevent any issues and the application was waved through without restriction.
Tiger Bay’s aim is to become a gathering place for nighttime workers to enjoy low key drinks, food and shishas, and compliance and environmental health reports from other Complete Licensing experts Jim Sollars and Dave Nevitt meant the council was happy to grant the late extension and permit opening till 3.30am on other nights of the week.
Ealing councillor Rima Baaklini said the licensing committee was happy all appropriate measures had been taken to reduce noise and disruption, and they were satisfied the extended hours would not be a problem for locals.