Avenue Club 2 in Bowes denied 4am licence after police objections

Avenue Club 2 in Green Lanes, Bowes, has been denied permission to extend its opening hours to 4am after Enfield Council’s licensing sub-committee ruled there was insufficient evidence the venue could comply with the change. The decision, taken on 12 August 2026, follows objections from the Metropolitan Police over alleged breaches of the venue’s existing licence conditions.

The venue, which operates as a table-service only establishment, is currently licensed to serve alcohol from midday to midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. The application sought to extend these hours to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, 3am on Thursdays, and 2am from Sunday to Wednesday, alongside a revised layout plan following the removal of its kitchen.

Police concerns over compliance

PC Derek Ewart, representing the Metropolitan Police, told the committee there was "insufficient reassurance" to support the application. He cited concerns over alleged breaches of the venue’s current licence, including reports of standing guests being served alcohol, which violates the table-service only condition.

Ewart argued that the fundamental issue was confidence in the venue’s ability to adhere to extended hours without negatively impacting the surrounding area. The committee agreed, with chair Penny Heathwood stating that the council "cannot be confident" the premises would comply with the new conditions.

Applicant’s case and next steps

Denis Gjelaj, the venue’s licence holder, described Avenue Club 2 as a "managed, music-led hospitality venue providing regulated entertainment within a controlled environment." His solicitor, Yusif Alhani, argued that Gjelaj was a responsible operator and that the venue catered to a mature, law-abiding clientele aged between 30 and 50.

Alhani told the committee the application was an attempt to create a lawful and positive operation for both the council and customers. However, Heathwood noted that the venue’s current operation was "unclear" and that the council had seen no evidence to suggest it could manage extended hours without breaching licensing objectives.

Following the decision, Alhani confirmed that the applicant would consider appealing. Under licensing laws, any appeal must be lodged within 21 days of the decision, meaning the deadline is 2 September 2026.

Previous rejection and local impact

This is the second time Avenue Club 2’s bid for extended hours has been rejected. A similar application was refused in April 2025 on comparable grounds, including concerns over compliance with existing licence conditions. The venue’s current licence remains unchanged, with no extension to its trading hours.

Residents in Bowes have previously raised concerns about late-night noise and anti-social behaviour linked to licensed premises. The council’s decision reflects ongoing efforts to balance the interests of local businesses with community safety and licensing objectives.