Freeholder of East London African grill wants ‘perfectly legal’ special licence – but residents fear a ‘get out of jail free’ loophole
A dispute is heating up in Hackney Wick as Johal Properties, the freeholder behind an African grill restaurant, pushes to secure a controversial “shadow licence” – a move locals fear could allow the landlord to dodge responsibility in the face of serious issues.
The landlord’s request has drawn sharp criticism, especially in light of disturbing incidents linked to another of his properties. Residents are wary, citing allegations of mismanagement and community disruption at the very site in question.
The venue in question, QQ Lounge on Wick Road, is currently operating as an African grill and bar. But Johal Properties wants a backup alcohol and entertainment licence in its name – just in case a tenant’s existing licence gets revoked.
“There have been four different tenant businesses operating there in the last five years. If there is a problem tenant, the freeholder retains a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” said local resident Jay, speaking at a licensing hearing. “I would far prefer the freeholder chooses their clients wisely and ensures residents are respected.”
Jay also recalled repeated instances of late-night disturbances. He painted a picture of weekend chaos: “30 to 40 Range Rovers, Audis, and Mercedes, slamming doors and creating a public nuisance.”
The tension is rooted in past incidents involving Johal Properties. Most notably, a 2023 case in Newham where one of the company’s tenant-run nightclubs, Pier One, lost its licence after two separate rape allegations.
A judge slammed the club’s staff for a “total lack of care”, though no direct action was taken against Johal Properties’ shadow licence there.
At this week’s hearing, solicitor Graham Hopkins defended the landlord, distancing the Hackney application from the Newham incident. He argued the allegations were “not admissible” as they occurred outside the borough – a stance the Licensing Committee ultimately upheld.
Hopkins repeatedly described the application as “perfectly legal”, claiming it’s purely a protective measure. He also admitted he “didn’t have a clue” how many businesses had traded at the address over the last five years. Mr Johal himself did not attend.
The request didn’t sit well with councillors. Cllr Sarah Young warned that if tenants were changing as often as locals claimed, the backup licence was more likely to be used, not less.
Cllr Chris Kennedy echoed her unease, saying it made no sense for the second licence to “just sit” with the premises. He called for it to follow Hackney’s core licensing hours, which require weekend closures by midnight.
The debate took another twist when the committee discovered the landlord had not disclosed part of his operational plan. It turns out a section of the Wick Road site is owned by Hackney Council, not Johal Properties – but was being included in the proposed licence footprint.
That last-minute revelation forced a delay in the committee’s decision.
QQ Lounge, which officially opened on Valentine’s Day 2025, occupies a site once home to various pubs, a shisha lounge, and more recently, the African-themed Habbot Bar.
A final decision on the shadow licence remains pending. In the meantime, Hackney locals remain cautious – with many questioning whether such legal loopholes serve the community or simply shield landlords from scrutiny.
