The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 18 June 2026, to consider two applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting will focus on applications for Sotto, located at 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD, and Kent Restaurant & Lounge, situated on the First Floor at 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA. Both applications have attracted representations from responsible authorities and other interested parties, necessitating a hearing for determination.

Sotto, 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD

The committee is scheduled to consider an application from Sotto London Limited for a premises licence for their establishment at 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD. The application seeks to permit the sale of alcohol and the opening of the premises from 12:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack indicates that this application has received outstanding representations from the Police and Trading Standards, as well as from six other individuals. These representations are primarily concerned with the potential impact on the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Residents living above the premises have raised concerns about potential noise, external congregation, vibration, and pest issues, citing existing problems with other licensed premises in the vicinity. The Police have requested additional conditions to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, while Trading Standards have requested conditions to protect children from harm.

The Licensing Act 2003¹ governs the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment, with licensing authorities required to promote four key objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The council's own Statement of Licensing Policy² provides guidance on how these objectives are to be applied. Sotto is located outside of a Cumulative Impact Area³, within the Bankside, Borough, London Bridge Strategic Cultural Area.

Kent Restaurant & Lounge, First Floor, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA

The sub-committee will also consider an application from Kent Restaurant & Lounge Ltd for a premises licence at First Floor, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA. The applicant seeks to provide regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol with proposed hours extending significantly into the early morning, particularly on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

This application has generated representations from the Metropolitan Police Service, the council's Environmental Protection Team (EPT), and ten other individuals. The Police have raised concerns regarding the excessive hours sought, which they state exceed those recommended in the council's Statement of Licensing Policy for premises in a residential area. They have also highlighted the premises' history of crime and disorder, noise nuisance, and a lack of confidence in the management due to past non-compliance. The EPT has expressed concerns about potential noise nuisance and has proposed additional conditions and a reduction in hours to align with the council's policy.

Residents have submitted numerous objections, describing the premises' history of serious issues including repeated licensing interventions, suspensions, noise problems, serious disorder, and licence revocation. Concerns have been raised about safeguarding risks to vulnerable residents opposite the premises, the impact on families, children, carers, and shift workers, and the unsuitability of the location for late-night dispersal. The operating model, with late hours, amplified music, SIA door supervisors, and large private events, is seen by objectors as indicative of nightclub-style activity rather than a restaurant. The premises' historical issues, including alleged unlicensed activity and serious crime, are also cited.

The premises at 516 Old Kent Road has a complex licensing history, having previously operated as K-Che Club, which had its licence revoked following serious incidents. The applicant, Kent Restaurant & Lounge Ltd, has had previous applications withdrawn. The council's Statement of Licensing Policy⁴ designates the area as residential, with recommended closing times of 23:00 for restaurants and public houses/wine bars. The proposed hours significantly exceed these recommendations.

The sub-committee will need to consider all representations and evidence presented in determining whether to grant the licences, and if so, under what conditions, in line with the four licensing objectives and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy.