The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Monday 17 March 2014 to consider a review application concerning Dulwich Hamlet Football Club. The sub-committee decided to modify the conditions of the club's licence to promote the licensing objectives.

Review Application for Dulwich Hamlet Football Club

The sub-committee considered an application for a review of the premises licence granted to Dulwich Hamlet Football Club, located at Edgar Kail Way, London SE22 8BD. The decision was made to modify the licence conditions to promote the licensing objectives.

The modifications include:

• The installation of a noise limiter, set by the licensee's sound engineer and approved by the environmental protection team, to prevent public nuisance. This limiter must be maintained, and only the licensee's amplification equipment can be used through it.
• A member of the premises management team must be present whenever the premises are hired to third parties, and all third-party hirers must sign a hire agreement.
• Details of an internal ventilation system must be submitted to the licensing unit for approval, with approved works to be completed within three months.
• An incident log must be maintained at the premises, available to authorised officers and the police, recording crimes, ejections, complaints, disorder, drug seizures, CCTV or equipment faults, alcohol sale refusals, and visits by authorities or emergency services.
• A register of security personnel must be kept, detailing their full name, SIA badge number, and start time of duties, signed by the security operative.
• Condition 803b will be amended to require two SIA registered door supervisors when live or recorded music is played (excluding background music) after 8:00 pm until all patrons have left. They will be responsible for monitoring admissions, security, conflict resolution, and customer dispersal.
• Condition 308 will be changed to prohibit new entries or re-entries after 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Customers will not be permitted to use any outside area after 10:00 pm, except for temporary exits to smoke, with no more than five people smoking at any one time.
• The CCTV system will be upgraded to the satisfaction of the police, covering the exterior of the premises, including car parks and entrances/exits, with the capability for clear night recording.
• Condition No. 111 will be removed.

The sub-committee heard from the applicant for the review, who has lived near the premises for two and a half years and reported significant disturbance from excessive noise and operations outside terminal hours. They stated that initial engagement with the premises management had been positive, but more recently, complaints had been ignored. Specific incidents cited included a private party on 22 February 2014, which caused significant noise disruption. The applicant expressed a loss of faith in the management and considered the review application a last resort.

The Metropolitan Police Service reported approximately 20 calls relating to incidents at the premises. They believed the proposed conditions would help rectify the problems if adhered to by the new management.

The environmental protection officer noted only one call to the noise team but acknowledged reports made to the licensing team. They had witnessed the premises trading outside its terminal hours on 22 February 2014. The officer believed that the proposed conditions, if implemented, would address noise issues.

The licensing officer, representing the council as a responsible authority, changed their view from recommending a three-month licence suspension to believing it was no longer necessary, encouraged by the new management's willingness to work with responsible authorities.

Representatives from Dulwich Hamlet Football Club confirmed a licence transfer and change of Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), with Greendale Properties taking full ownership. They explained that the club's previous financial difficulties had prevented compliance with licence conditions. Greendale Properties stated they had the financial resources to invest in the premises and ensure compliance, aiming for a professional and corporate operation with restaurateurs and a trained events team, moving away from private hire events. They committed to replacing all but one current staff member and emphasised their interest in strictly complying with all licence conditions. They confirmed the implementation of a shutter system timer and expressed willingness to engage with authorities and local residents, offering a contact number for management.

The sub-committee considered all relevant factors and the four licensing objectives¹ in reaching its decision, deeming it appropriate and proportionate.