The Licensing Sub-Committee B met on Tuesday 09 June 2026 to consider two applications related to premises licences. The first application concerned a request for a time-limited premises licence for AFC Lewisham, Gresham Sports Ground, and the second involved an application to vary the premises licence for Pizza Hut in The Village.

AFC Lewisham, Gresham Sports Ground, Eltham Road, London SE12 8ES

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a time-limited Premises Licence for AFC Lewisham, located at Gresham Sports Ground on Eltham Road. The application sought to permit licensable activities from 11 June to 31 July 2026, aligning with the FIFA World Cup. The proposed standard timings included the sale of alcohol, films, live music, recorded music, and performances of dance from 10:00 to 23:30 daily, with late-night refreshment until 23:30.

Specific non-standard timings were requested for recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol. These would be extended until 15 minutes after the conclusion of matches involving a Home Nation or an African continent nation, or for quarter-finals, semi-finals, the third-place play-off, or the final, provided the kick-off was no later than 23:00. The applicant had revised their initial request following consultation with the Police.

The report detailed a comprehensive FIFA World Cup & Tournament Events Management Plan submitted by AFC Lewisham. This plan outlined measures for community liaison, noise management, egress and dispersal, traffic and parking management, and risk-based security. It included provisions for advance notice to residents, a dedicated resident liaison officer, acoustic upgrades to the clubhouse, and a slow egress strategy to manage crowd dispersal.

The application had received 28 representations broadly opposed to the application, citing concerns about noise pollution, anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion, and parking issues. These objections highlighted existing or historic problems with noise escape and the impact of late-night operations on residents. Conversely, 10 representations were in support of the application, attesting to the professionalism of the club's management and their proactive steps to minimise disruption. Supporters believed that screening matches in a controlled environment was safer and more orderly than unregulated gatherings.

The report also referenced the premises' history, including a previous refusal in September 2024 for a permanent variation to increase permitted hours, which had received significant objection from residents and responsible authorities. A schedule of complaints received by the Licensing and Community Protection Teams between September 2024 and March 2026 was included, primarily relating to noise from entertainment and parties.

The Sub-Committee was also provided with relevant provisions from the Royal Borough of Greenwich Licensing Policy and Government Guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which outline the principles and considerations for determining licensing applications.

Pizza Hut, 39-41 The Village, London SE7 8UG

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Pizza Hut, located at 39-41 The Village. The application, submitted by Arif Jivraj on behalf of JJ & Team Ltd, sought to extend the terminal hours for the provision of late-night refreshment by means of takeaway (delivery only). The proposed extension was from 00:30 to 01:00 on Sundays to Thursdays, and from 00:30 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises currently operates with public access from 11:00 to midnight daily and is permitted to provide late-night refreshment until 00:30.

The applicant had agreed to include conditions in their operating schedule, as proposed by the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, relating to CCTV. These conditions included continuous recording, storage of recordings for a minimum of 31 days, immediate availability of recordings upon request, coverage of all entry and exit points for facial identification, and the presence of a staff member conversant with the CCTV system at all times the premises is open.

Representations were received from PC Mindaugas Alsauskas of the Greenwich Police Licensing Team, Councillor Jo van den Broek for Charlton Village and Riverside, and Stephanie Godbold, a local resident. The Police had no objection to the variation, provided the agreed CCTV conditions were included. Councillor van den Broek and Ms. Godbold lodged objections on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance and prevention of crime and disorder. Their concerns primarily related to noise and disturbance from delivery bikes late into the night, parking issues, and potential loitering.

The applicant responded to these objections, stating that delivery bikes were not associated with Pizza Hut Charlton or their delivery partners, and that drivers were dispatched only when orders were ready, minimising waiting and congregation. They also asserted a strict no waiting/no residential parking policy. However, these comments were rejected by the objectors.

The report also detailed the current licence for Pizza Hut, which authorises the provision of late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 00:30 daily. The premises is located in Charlton Village, an area with a mix of residential and commercial properties. Other licensed premises in the vicinity were also listed. The Sub-Committee was provided with relevant sections of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Licensing Policy and Government Guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.