Hackney Community Space Denied Music Licence After Noise Complaints

Hackney Council has refused a licence for Gauchoworld Space, a cultural hub on Goldsmiths Row in Haggerston, to host music events. The decision followed 49 objections from local residents citing issues with noise, public urination, and overcrowding.

Neighbourhood Concerns Over Noise and Nuisance

Residents reported significant disturbances during events held at the 40 square metre venue, including loud music and patrons urinating in the street. One neighbour described the situation as "atrocious" and reported encountering up to 100 people outside the venue, some engaged in public urination and drug use. The official floor plan confirmed a lack of licensed toilet facilities within the premises, forcing patrons to use a shared toilet with other building residents. Complaints also extended to alleged "wafting" stenches and overcrowding.

Dean George, founder of Gauchoworld, stated that the venue was intended as a "creative working studio" and a space for "exhibitions and community sessions," with music forming part of its programme. He claimed to have supported over 1,500 creatives from under-privileged backgrounds since launching his brand in 2018. Mr George suggested that neighbours were misrepresenting the venue as a nightclub and that he was being "profiled" by residents detached from the venue's younger demographic.

Licensing Committee's Decision

During a licensing hearing on Wednesday, October 7, Mr George proposed scaling back his request to allow live and recorded music only between 6pm and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, limited to three times per month. However, the licensing committee refused the application, concluding that evidence demonstrated poor management of prior events. The committee indicated that a future application might be considered if Mr George could prove that the management of the premises had changed.

The venue, which opened in August 2025, is situated in an area surrounded by residential properties, near Broadway Market, Hackney City Farm, and Columbia Road Flower Market. The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted Gauchoworld prior to publication but received no response.