Hoxton pub wins outdoor drinking rights after safety row

Howl At The Moon pub in Hoxton has been granted permission by Hackney Council to allow up to 30 customers to drink outside until 10pm, following a licensing committee hearing on Wednesday, October 21. The approval includes a condition that drinks must be served in plastic cups during the permitted outdoor hours.

Concerns over pavement access and intimidation

The application had faced opposition from Councillor Kam Adams (Labour, Hoxton East and Shoreditch) and the Ward Panel for Hoxton East and Shoreditch, represented by chair Jacqueline Jenkins. They raised concerns that crowds gathering outside the pub, particularly smokers, were obstructing the pavement. This obstruction, they argued, made it difficult for parents with prams, disabled individuals, and elderly residents to pass, leading to feelings of intimidation.

Jacqueline Jenkins stated that elderly residents had expressed fear about walking in the area at night due to the presence of outdoor drinkers. Councillor Adams echoed these concerns, citing reports of noise disturbances and blocked pathways. Pub manager Connor Clark contested some of these claims, noting the pub had not received noise complaints since December 2025 and expressed surprise at reports of access issues.

Compromise and new conditions

Mr. Clark defended the pub's proposals, stating they aimed to update outdated licence conditions and improve crowd management. He offered a compromise, reducing the proposed limit for smokers outside after 10pm from 30 to 20. The licensing committee ultimately reached a compromise, allowing up to 30 people to drink outside between 8pm and 10pm, with the stipulation of plastic cups. The limit for smokers after 10pm was set at 20.

A key condition of the new licence is the mandatory establishment of quarterly meetings between the pub's management and local residents. These meetings are intended to provide a forum for addressing ongoing concerns and fostering better community relations. Mr. Clark agreed to host these meetings, offering to provide refreshments.

Next steps

The licensing committee was expected to issue its final decision within five working days of the hearing. No objections were raised by statutory authorities, including the Metropolitan Police.