The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for the Canterbury Arms public house. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Canterbury Arms Premises Licence Application

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for the Canterbury Arms, located at 2-4 Maddock Way, London SE17 3NH. The application was made by Maurice Collins and Aidan Collins. The report pack indicated that the application was subject to seven representations objecting to its grant, submitted by responsible authorities and other persons.

The proposed licensable activities included the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, with proposed hours from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The premises' proposed opening hours were from 10:00 to 23:30, with non-standard timings for bank holiday weekends and New Year's Eve.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, who objected to the application as submitted but indicated a willingness to work with the applicant. The council's trading standards service also submitted a representation requesting additional conditions related to the protection of children from harm. These representations were subsequently withdrawn after the applicant agreed to the requested conditions.

However, five representations from local residents and one local ward councillor remained. These objections raised concerns regarding the premises' previous licence history, which included a fatal incident leading to the revocation of the previous licence. Concerns were also raised about alleged anti-social behaviour, violence, drug dealing, and noise nuisance. Residents expressed worries about the potential for drunk and disorderly individuals and the impact on families with young children. They also sought guarantees regarding the future management of the premises.

The report pack detailed the licence history of the premises, including a summary review application by the Metropolitan Police Service on 26 November 2025, which resulted in the revocation of the previous premises licence on 18 December 2025 due to serious crime and disorder.

The sub-committee was also to consider the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, which outlines the council's approach to licensing matters, including guidance on hours of operation and the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The premises is located in a residential area and not within a cumulative impact area (CIA).

The report also noted the council's commitment to considering climate change implications, community, equalities, and health impacts, although health impacts are not a legal factor in decisions under the Licensing Act 2003.

The report pack included proposed conditions for discussion, such as operating a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, training for staff, maintaining a CCTV system, and keeping an incident log.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as receiving apologies, confirmation of voting members, notification of urgent items, and disclosure of interests. Part B of the agenda indicated the potential exclusion of press and public for closed business items.