The Licensing Sub Committee B is scheduled to convene on Thursday 18 June 2026 to consider applications for premises licences. The committee will determine a new application for a premises licence for Dream Story Coffee and a variation application for Johns Newsagent.

Dream Story Coffee

The committee is scheduled to consider a new application for a premises licence for Dream Story Coffee, located at 361 Brockley Road, London SE4 2AG. The application, submitted by Dream Story Ltd, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises between 17:00 and 22:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack indicates that representations have been received from five members of the public. Some of these points were not accepted as they were deemed irrelevant or subjective. Representations from the police and the licensing authority have been withdrawn, as the applicant has agreed to suggested additional conditions. Officers have examined the representations and do not consider them to be vexatious or frivolous. The committee has several options available: grant the application as applied for, grant it subject to modified conditions, refuse to specify a designated premises supervisor, or refuse the variation application entirely.

The decision-making process will have regard to the Licensing Act 2003 and the promotion of the four licensing objectives: Protection of Children from Harm, Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Prevention of Public Nuisance, and Public Safety. Members will also consider the Licensing Authority's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-31 and the council's emerging corporate delivery plan, particularly the priority relating to Justice, sanctuary and care.

The applicant, Dream Story Ltd, has provided a response to the objections, outlining that the application is not for a traditional bar or late-night venue but a modest extension of an existing café. They state that the proposal is food led with tinned fish, bread, olives and snacks, carefully managed, and designed to minimise noise, nuisance, and anti-social behaviour. The applicant also details significant soundproofing and flooring works undertaken since May 2024, costing £9,406.09, to address noise concerns raised by residents.

Johns Newsagent

The committee is also scheduled to consider a variation application for a premises licence for Johns Newsagent, located at 158 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6PD. The application, submitted by Pranavarooban Kalainathan, seeks to vary the licence to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 00:00 to 00:00, Monday to Sunday. The premises is currently licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 08:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

Five representations have been received from local residents on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety. The representations have been examined by officers and are not considered vexatious or frivolous. Representations were also received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the Licensing Authority, which were subsequently withdrawn after the applicant agreed to a list of proposed conditions and a reduction of the licensed hours to 02:00, Monday to Sunday.

The available options for the Licensing Authority include granting the licence as applied for, granting it with modified conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a designated premises supervisor, or refusing the application entirely. The decision will be made with regard to the Licensing Act 2003 and the four licensing objectives, as well as the Licensing Authority's Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-25 and the council's corporate delivery plan.

The applicant has agreed to several conditions proposed by the police and the licensing authority. These include maintaining an incident log, providing staff training, installing and maintaining a comprehensive CCTV system, and ensuring that no waste or recyclable materials are moved outside between 23:00 and 08:00. For the supply of alcohol for off-sales, conditions include that all sales must be in sealed containers and that there shall be no sales after 02:00.

The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as the election of a Chair, confirmation of the start time, and the minutes of previous meetings. Members will also be asked to declare any personal interests they may have in any of the agenda items.