The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Tuesday 30 April 2024 to consider a single application for a premises licence. The application was for El Vacilon De Esquina at 58a Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8QZ, and involved the sale of alcohol, provision of live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment.

Licensing Act 2003: El Vacilon De Esquina, 58a Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8QZ

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application made by El Vacilon De Esquina Limited for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol, the provision of live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment at the premises located at 58a Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8QZ.

The applicant proposed operating hours that extended beyond those recommended in the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy¹. Specifically, the application requested:

• Sale of alcohol (on sales only): Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 00:00; Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 01:30; Sunday from 11:00 to 23:30.
• Late night refreshment (indoors): Sunday to Thursday from 23:00 to 00:00; Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 01:30.
• Regulated entertainment (live and recorded music, indoors): Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 00:00; Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 01:30; Sunday from 11:00 to 23:00.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 00:30; Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 02:00; Sunday from 09:00 to 00:00.

The report pack detailed that the premises is located within the Camberwell Cumulative Impact Area (CIA)², a designation intended to address issues related to alcohol-related crime and disorder. Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, the Council's Environmental Protection Team, and the Council's Licensing Department, all raising concerns about the proposed hours exceeding the CIA policy and the potential for increased public nuisance and crime and disorder.

Numerous representations were also received from local residents and residents' associations. These objections frequently cited concerns about noise pollution, anti-social behaviour, littering, and the historical issues associated with the premises, which had previously operated as a nightclub named 'Club Couture' and had its licence revoked in 2013 due to disorder. Residents highlighted the proximity of the premises to residential streets, including Camberwell Grove and Datchelor Place, and expressed worries about late-night noise from patrons leaving the venue, smoking, and vehicles.

The applicant's operating schedule outlined proposed safety measures, including CCTV surveillance, security personnel deployment during late hours, and zero-tolerance policies for disorderly conduct. They also detailed plans for public safety, fire safety preparedness, and customer assistance services. Measures to prevent public nuisance included directing smoking patrons away from residential areas and preventing congregation outside the premises. The applicant also detailed steps for the protection of children from harm, including ID checks and staff training.

Following representations, the applicant offered to revert to the hours of the existing premises licence for The Dutchie at the same address. This would mean reduced hours for alcohol sales, late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment, aligning more closely with the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy. The report pack indicated that discussions were ongoing with objectors regarding this proposed amendment and the potential application of other conditions from the previous licence, such as those relating to entrance/exit points and dispersal policies.