The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider applications for new premises licences for two establishments: Mide Afro Mart and Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar. Both applications involved the sale of alcohol, with the Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar also seeking permission for live and recorded music and late-night refreshment.

Mide Afro Mart, 109 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Mide Afro Mart, located at 109 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley, BR1 5AB. The application was for the off-site sale of alcohol, with proposed opening hours from 09:00 to 23:00 daily.

The report pack indicated that four objections had been received from residents, with no representations from local councillors or responsible authorities. The report outlined the potential options for the Sub-Committee: to grant the application in full, grant it with amendments or additional conditions, or refuse the application. The report also detailed the legal requirements under the Licensing Act 2003 and referenced the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030.

The objections from residents focused on concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. Specific concerns included increased anti-social behaviour, litter, noise, and the potential for opportunistic crime due to the proximity of the proposed off-licence to residential properties. One objection highlighted a previous stabbing incident at a nearby shop, Burnt Ash Food and Wine, in September 2023, and another in September 2024, underscoring fears of increased violence.

Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar, 140 High Street, Orpington

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for the Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar, located at 140 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0JS. This application sought permission for the on-site sale of alcohol, provision of late-night refreshment, and the playing of live and recorded music. Proposed opening hours were from 11:00 to 00:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 11:00 to 01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report indicated that 20 objections had been received from local residents, one from a residents' association, two from local councillors, and four from responsible authorities. One representation was received in support of the application. The report noted that the Metropolitan Police had submitted a representation that was to be heard in private.

The report detailed the applicant's proposed hours for opening, sale of alcohol, and late-night refreshment. It also mentioned that the applicant had initially applied for live and recorded music but later decided to remove this element, opting for background music only. The report referenced the Licensing Act 2003, the Live Music Act 2012, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030.

Concerns raised in the objections and by responsible authorities, including the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health Officer, centred on the potential for public nuisance, crime and disorder, and protection of children from harm. Key issues included the premises' proximity to residential accommodation, the scale and configuration of the rear extension with a retractable roof, and the proposed late operating hours. The Licensing Authority specifically objected on the grounds of public nuisance and protection of children from harm, citing concerns about noise breakout from the rear area and the impact of late hours on residents. The Environmental Health Officer also raised concerns about noise nuisance, particularly from the retractable roof and the lack of a dispersal policy. The Planning Investigation Team noted that the premises had undergone unauthorised works and that enforcement investigations were ongoing, raising concerns about management competence and regulatory compliance. The Knoll Residents Association provided an illustrative sound propagation map and highlighted strong community opposition to the application.

The report pack also included details of previous planning decisions for the site at 136-140 High Street, Orpington, relating to the retention of a facade, demolition of the remainder of the building, and the erection of a mixed-use development including retail units and flats. These decisions included conditions regarding landscaping, external materials, drainage, parking, and restrictions on the use of flat roof areas. There was also a retrospective planning application for a change of use of the first floor to a three-bedroom flat.