The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 8 February 2024 to consider two applications related to premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Peckham Food and Wine and a review of the premises licence for Club 701.

Licensing Act 2003: Peckham Food and Wine, 176 Peckham High Street, London SE15 5EG

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application made by Muhammad Baloch for a premises licence for Peckham Food and Wine, located at 176 Peckham High Street, London SE15 5EG. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises and for the premises to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received from two responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police Service and the council's licensing authority. The police objected to the application, stating that the premises falls within the Peckham cumulative impact area¹ and that the requested hours are outside those recommended in the Southwark statement of licensing policy². They also raised concerns about street drinking and associated crime and disorder in the area. The licensing authority also objected, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. They recommended that the application be refused, noting that the applicant had not demonstrated that the application would not further contribute to the negative local cumulative impact.

The report also detailed the application history of the premises, which included previous licence reviews, revocations, and applications that were refused or withdrawn. The existing premises licence for Peckham Food and Wine allows for the sale of alcohol off the premises between 09:00 and 23:00, with opening hours from 07:00 to 23:00.

Licensing Act 2003: Club 701, Basement and Ground Floors, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application made by the Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police area for a summary review of the premises licence for Club 701, located at Basement and Ground Floors, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA. The grounds for the review were related to allegations of a serious incident that allegedly took place at the premises on 2 January 2024, between 02:15 and 02:45, at a time when the premises should have been closed according to its licence.

The police stated that the premises was operating without the correct authorisation at the time of the alleged incident, and that this incident could have been avoided if the premises had been closed as per the licence conditions. The report also detailed a history of previous incidents and enforcement actions at Club 701, including a serious assault in November 2019 which led to a licence suspension, and further instances of operating without authorisation in December 2022. The police indicated they had no confidence in the management of the premises and recommended that the licence be suspended pending the determination of the full review.

The report outlined the current premises licence for Club 701, which authorises various licensable activities including plays, films, live and recorded music, dance, late night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, with specific operating hours. The report also detailed the operating history of the premises, including multiple previous closure notices and licensing inductions.