The Licensing Sub Committee D of Lewisham Council met on Thursday 23 July 2026 to consider a review of the premises licence for House of Flavours, located at Unit A, 31 Perry Vale, London SE23 2AR. The committee decided to impose additional conditions on the licence rather than revoke it, aiming to promote the licensing objectives.

Review of Premises Licence for House of Flavours

The committee considered an application to review the premises licence for House of Flavours, submitted by the Licensing Authority. The review was initiated due to concerns that the premises' operation had undermined the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

Background to the Review: The Licensing Authority received numerous complaints from local residents concerning noise disturbance, anti-social behaviour, and disorder associated with the premises. These complaints escalated following two specific incidents: a serious disorder incident outside the premises on 21 May 2026, which required a significant emergency service response, and complaints of excessive noise from music on 24 May 2026.

Prior to the review application, licensing officers had engaged with the premises on over 10 occasions to address noise concerns, but statutory nuisance was not witnessed during these visits. However, the consistency and nature of the complaints, supported by video evidence from residents, indicated an ongoing impact. Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and 28 members of the public in support of the review, while 21 representations were received objecting to it.

Arguments Presented:

• Licensing Authority (Angela Mullin-Morrell, Safer Communities Officer): Ms. Mullin-Morrell highlighted that despite the premises license holder's cooperation and implementation of measures such as relocating speakers and installing sound-reducing materials, complaints continued. She emphasised that the disorder incident on 21 May and the excessive noise on 24 May demonstrated a failure to uphold licensing objectives. The authority was not seeking revocation or a reduction in hours but proposed additional conditions to improve security, noise management, event management, CCTV operation, and customer dispersal.

• Representors in Support of the Review:

  • CityWalk Apartments Residents Association: Representatives from the association and residents of CityWalk Apartments detailed issues including persistent bass noise, illegal parking, overflowing waste, and a general increase in anti-social behaviour. They noted that council visits did not always coincide with the worst noise issues and that assessments did not fully account for bass transmission or the cumulative impact of nightly disturbances. Some residents reported significant impacts on their mental health, requiring them to leave their homes.
  • Other Residents: Several residents spoke about the hostile atmosphere on the street, increased litter, broken glass, and vomit, which they stated did not occur with previous businesses. One resident, with 30 years of experience in the drug and alcohol field, indicated signs of drug use. Concerns were also raised about the suggestion that resident complaints might be racially motivated, which was strongly refuted. The fundamental change in the premises' operation from a restaurant to an event space was highlighted as the core issue.

• Premises Licence Holder (Ebony, Manager for House of Flavours): Ms. Reid, represented by Ebony, apologised for the incidents on 21 and 24 May, attributing the disorder on the 21st to a domestic family incident within a large booking and the noise on the 24th to a DJ's standalone speaker. She stated that new measures had been implemented, including no longer accepting large bookings, ceasing bottomless brunch promotions for large groups, maintaining an incident book, using CCTV, and providing conflict management training. Regarding parking and cannabis use, they argued these were issues outside their direct control, though they had instructed security to redirect drivers and enforced a zero-drug policy within the venue. They also highlighted that noise complaints had not resulted in a statutory nuisance finding during council visits.

• Representors Against the Review:

  • Local Businesses and Residents: Supporters of House of Flavours highlighted its positive contribution to the area, bringing new life and diversity. They noted that previous businesses in the unit had failed and that House of Flavours was a vibrant addition. Some suggested that complaints might be racially motivated and that residents living on a main road should expect some noise. They emphasised the business's role as a family-run establishment creating employment and contributing to the local economy. They also pointed out that parking and drug use were wider area issues not solely attributable to the venue.

Decision: The Licensing Sub Committee D decided to impose the conditions suggested by the police, along with three additional conditions:

1. The production of a written event management plan.
2. Refusal of re-entry for individuals who have left the premises to smoke marijuana.
3. A formal written dispersal policy.

A decision notice detailing the reasons for this decision would be sent out within five working days.

Key Individuals:

• Councillor Leni Candan: Chair of the Licensing Sub Committee D.
• Councillor Esther Lee: Member of the Licensing Sub Committee D.
• Councillor Wellington Gill: Member of the Licensing Sub Committee D.
• Kennedy Obazee: Safer Communities Licensing Officer, Licensing Authority.
• Angela Mullin-Morrell: Safer Communities Officer (Licensing Team), Licensing Authority.
• PC Shaun Rodway: Metropolitan Police Service.
• Ms. Koleishai Reid: Premises Licence Holder for House of Flavours.
• Ebony: Manager for House of Flavours.

Relevant Legislation:

• Licensing Act 2003
• Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and club premises certificates) Regulations 2005
• Section 52 of the Licensing Act 2003, which outlines the powers of the subcommittee in determining a licence review.

Additional Conditions Imposed: The decision notice, to be issued within five working days, will detail the specific conditions. However, the committee announced the imposition of conditions suggested by the police, plus three additional conditions: a written event management plan, refusal of re-entry for those leaving to smoke marijuana, and a formal written dispersal policy. These aim to promote the licensing objectives by improving security, noise control, event management, customer dispersal, and addressing specific behaviours.

Other Business: The committee also confirmed the start time for Licensing Sub Committee D meetings as 7:00 pm for the remainder of the municipal year and approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 April 2026. No declarations of interest were made.