The General Purposes and Licensing Committee of Bromley Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026. The meeting's agenda included discussions on appointments to outside bodies, the council's work programme, and minutes from previous Licensing Sub-Committee meetings.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The committee was scheduled to consider nominations for council representatives to serve on various outside bodies and partnerships. These appointments, which are largely annual, involve a range of organisations and partnerships. The report pack indicated that a draft schedule of nominations was to be updated and circulated. The committee was recommended to consider these nominations and make the necessary appointments.

Work Programme and Matters Outstanding

The committee's work programme for the 2026/27 council year was presented for consideration. This included a summary of the committee's responsibilities, which encompass electoral issues, byelaws, staffing matters, open government, complaint procedures, member appointments, health and safety, and various licensing functions. The report also highlighted a matter outstanding from a previous meeting concerning the potential appointment of ex-councillors to the Bromley Town Twinning Association.

Licensing Sub-Committee Minutes

The meeting was scheduled to receive and note the minutes from several Licensing Sub-Committee meetings held between January and April 2026. These minutes detailed discussions and decisions regarding various licensing applications and reviews.

• Old Dunstonian House Club, Dunstans Lane, Beckenham, BR3 3AF: The Licensing Sub-Committee considered a new premises licence application for this club. Objections were raised by a local councillor and residents concerning potential public nuisance from music, vehicle movements, and patrons leaving the premises. The applicant, an educational charity, argued the premises assisted the community and that the licence would help raise funds. The Sub-Committee noted positive engagement and the acceptance of conditions by responsible authorities, ultimately granting the application with specified permissions and additional conditions.

• Ornithology Bars & Restaurants Ltd, 125 Queensway, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1DG: An application for a variation to the premises licence was reviewed. Ward Councillor Tony Owen objected, citing concerns about public nuisance from music and customers, particularly due to residential accommodation above the premises. Residents also raised concerns about noise, loitering, and the impact on their quiet enjoyment of their homes. The applicant, with 20 years of experience, intended to operate a restaurant/wine bar serving cheese and charcuterie with alcohol, but not a late-night venue. The Sub-Committee concluded that granting the application without providing substantial meals with alcohol would negatively impact licensing objectives and decided to refuse the application.

• Pierluigi's, 86-90 High Street, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1ED: The Metropolitan Police applied to review the premises licence. The premises were not represented at the hearing, but had submitted written submissions. The Police outlined repeated unsuccessful attempts to obtain CCTV footage, which they stated was crucial for an ongoing investigation into potential licence breaches and an alleged theft. The committee considered that the refusal to provide CCTV footage was deliberate and intended to conceal breaches of authorised hours. Adverse inferences were drawn from the failure to provide evidence, and the committee revoked the licence, citing a pattern of non-compliance and lack of cooperation.

• Cleaves Express, Orpington, BR6 7HB: Residents objected to a new premises licence application for an off-licence, citing concerns about increased alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, loitering, late-night disturbances, and the impact on the residential character of Cleave Avenue. The applicant's consultant argued that decisions must be evidence-based and that the Local Authority retained enforcement powers. The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application subject to several conditions, including CCTV, a Challenge 25 policy, staff training, and an incident register.

• Mide Afro Mart, 109 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley, BR1 5AB: An application for a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol off the premises was determined. Objections from a resident highlighted concerns about noise, litter, loud disruptive behaviour, and increased visibility of alcohol to minors. The committee noted the objections but stated decisions must be evidence-based, and as this was a new application, there was no history of harm. The applicant's agent provided representations stating the applicant was an experienced licence holder with an unblemished compliance history, and no Responsible Authority objected. The Sub-Committee granted the application with several conditions, including CCTV, a Challenge 25 policy, and staff training.

• Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar, 140 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0JS: Objections were raised by local residents and the Knoll Residents Association regarding noise from late-night music, parking restrictions, and the potential for alcohol-related disorder. The Licensing Authority, Planning Authority, and Metropolitan Police also objected, citing concerns about public nuisance, unauthorised works, and the applicant's criminal record. The applicant's agent attempted to amend the application multiple times. The committee concluded that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to operate such premises due to his criminal record and disregard for planning and company law, and therefore refused the application.