Application for the grant of a new premises license under the Licensing Act 2003 – Milcana Café Annexe, 50 Park Lane, Tottenham, London, N17 0JS
The Licensing Sub-Committee (“the LSC”) carefully considered the above application.
In considering the application, the LSC took account of the Licensing Act 2003 (“the Act”), the Revised Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 in February 2025 (“the section 182 guidance”), the Haringey Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, the report pack, and representations from the applicant and objectors.
Having considered the application and heard from all the parties, the LSC decided to GRANT the license subject to one modification, as set out below.
Reasons
Written representations received
The LSC received the following evidence:
Oral representations received
The LSC heard from:
Ms Tesfay made the following representations. While not seeking to record everything said during the course of the hearing, the LSC noted and placed reliance on the following points in particular:
Ø The premises for which the license was sought was an annexe to a long-standing Ethiopian and Eritrean café, opened to provide a space for playing the game Gebeta (this did not appear to be written in the application, and the LSC understands that different spellings may be used). Patrons are charged based on the time spent playing.
Ø This premises will always remain ancillary to the adjoining café. The same person supervises both.
Ø Gambling of any kind on the outcome of the games is strictly prohibited. Notwithstanding some of the suggestions in some of the representations, drug use is also strictly prohibited; staff are instructed to call the police if this is ever observed, but the reality is that it just doesn’t happen.
Ø It was true that there was an incident over a year ago where a customer was stabbed. However, without seeking to minimise this, it was important to put the premises’ role in context:
o The victim and perpetrator were known to each other and there had been previous issues between them.
o The perpetrator had entered the café earlier but only purchased coffee, no alcohol.
o The perpetrator saw the victim enter, attacked them, and left.
o Staff promptly called the emergency services, provided all CCTV to the police, and encouraged witnesses to remain to speak to the police.
Ø 24h CCTV, including 4k recording and audio, has already been installed. It has a dedicated internet connection, and will be stored for 31 days as standard. It will be provided to the Police on request.
Ø A deliberate decision was taken to not provide WiFi to customers, so as to not encourage noisy streaming of music etc.
Ø When issues with noise arose in the café, they installed acoustic padding on the walls and ceiling, and they are willing to do the same in the annexe if required.
Ø The premises it is not intended to operate as any kind of bar or nightclub.
Ø Although this application had sought service of alcohol till 11:00pm, the Police representations had asked for this to be until 10:30pm only to match the license in the café, and they had no objection to this. The thinking had been that people may take longer to finish playing their games and they wanted them to be able to do so, but they did not mind if they were not able to serve further alcohol during that time. They accepted the rest of the conditions proposed by the Police.
None of the objectors attended the hearing. The LSC took into account their written representations.
Evaluation
The LSC reminded itself that it is required by section 4 of the Act to exercise its functions with a view to promoting the licensing objectives:
(a) the prevention of crime and disorder;
(b) public safety;
(c) the prevention of public nuisance; and
(d) the protection of children from harm.
The LSC was satisfied that the application and representations demonstrated that granting this application would be consistent with the licensing objectives. The Police had suggested a modification to the operating schedule: sale of alcohol from 10:30 to 22:30, and opening hours 10:30 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The LSC was satisfied that the slightly shorter hours proposed, to allow patrons time to wind down, were appropriate, and the applicant had not resisted this. The further conditions suggested by the Police had been agreed by the applicant.
While the LSC considered the other written objections, it was satisfied that Ms Tesfay’s representations had comprehensively addressed any concerns those might have raised.
Accordingly, the LSC resolved to grant this application, subject to the addition of the conditions proposed by the Police in their letter dated 22 July 2026.
Appeal rights
This decision is open to appeal to the Magistrates Court within the period of 21 days, beginning on the day upon which the appellant is notified of the decision. This decision does not take effect until the end of that period, or, in the event that an appeal has been brought, until that appeal is either finally determined or abandoned.