The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to consider two applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. These applications were for Funicular Productions at Units 3 & 4, Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW, and for Sotto at 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD. Both meetings were open to the public, and the committee had received representations from responsible authorities and other persons regarding both applications.

Funicular Productions, Units 3 & 4, Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW

The committee was scheduled to consider an application from Funicular Productions Ltd for a premises licence for Units 3 & 4, Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, regulated entertainment including plays, films, live music, and recorded music, and late-night refreshment. The proposed operating hours extended until 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, with opening hours until 01:00.

The report pack indicated that ten representations had been submitted by local residents objecting to the application. Concerns raised included the potential for nuisance and disturbance, the suitability of the proposed operating hours, waste management issues, and the risk of increased anti-social behaviour due to customer congregation. Residents also expressed worries about the impact on families with young children and the cumulative effect of existing licensed premises in the area.

The applicant, Funicular Productions Ltd, had proposed a comprehensive schedule of operating conditions aimed at promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These conditions included the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, the keeping of an incident log, staff training on various policies, and measures to manage customer dispersal and waste.

The report also detailed the relevant sections of Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, including guidance on cumulative impact areas, hours of operation, and the promotion of the licensing objectives. The premises were noted to be outside of a cumulative impact area.

Sotto, 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application from Sotto London Limited for a premises licence for Sotto, 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD. The application proposed the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, with proposed opening hours and alcohol sales from 12:00 to 23:00, seven days a week. The premises were described as a ground floor commercial unit with a small kitchen, bar, and seating for customers.

Representations had been received from two responsible authorities: the Police and Trading Standards. The Police requested a range of additional conditions to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, including requirements for CCTV, staff training, an incident log, and a dispersal policy. Trading Standards requested conditions related to the protection of children from harm, specifically concerning the implementation of a Challenge 25 scheme and staff training on underage sales.

Additionally, six representations were received from local residents, primarily living in the flats above the proposed premises. Their concerns focused on the prevention of public nuisance, citing potential disturbances from customers, external smoking and congregation, noise from the premises and kitchen equipment, vibration transmission, and issues with deliveries, servicing, and waste. Some residents also raised concerns about pest control and the historical use of the premises as offices.

The applicant's operating schedule outlined measures to promote the licensing objectives, including a Challenge 25 policy, staff training, and adherence to environmental and health requirements. The report also referenced the proximity of other licensed premises in the area and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The premises are located within the Bankside, Borough, London Bridge Strategic Cultural Area, and the proposed hours were within the recommended closing times for restaurants in this area.

The report pack included appendices containing the applications, representations from responsible authorities and other persons, and maps of the relevant locations.