Licensing Sub-Committee B is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Secret Cinema. The committee will also review minutes from previous meetings.

Secret Cinema Premises Licence Application

The committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Secret Cinema, located on Land to the East of East Parkside, West of Olympian Way and South of Edmund Halley Way (Plot 20.02), London SE10 0NL. This application pertains to the operation of an immersive events venue.

The proposed licensable activities include the performance of plays, exhibition of films, performance of live music, provision of recorded music, performance of dance, and similar activities, along with the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The requested hours for these activities are Sunday to Thursday from 10:30 to 23:30, and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 to 00:00 (midnight). The premises would be open to the public from 10:00 to 00:00 (midnight) Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Provision for late-night refreshment (indoors only) is also requested from 23:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursday, and 23:00 to 00:00 (midnight) on Fridays and Saturdays.

Representations have been received from a local resident, James Underwood, who has raised concerns under the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Mr. Underwood's concerns focus on potential noise nuisance from customers leaving late at night, increased risk of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, the cumulative pressure on the growing residential neighbourhood, noise from regulated entertainment, and dispersal and transport impacts. He has requested that the application be refused, or that strict conditions be imposed if the licence is granted. These suggested conditions include limitations on alcohol sales and off-sales, restrictions on outdoor drinking and amplified music, requirements for internal queueing and security, a noise management plan, and a written dispersal policy.

The applicant, Secret Production Five Limited, has provided a comprehensive operating schedule with proposed conditions aimed at promoting the licensing objectives. These include measures related to CCTV, personal licence holders on duty, an incident register, signage for patrons, limitations on patrons leaving and re-entering, a direct contact number for the manager, queue management, a written protocol for intoxicated patrons, a security policy, a search policy, a drugs policy, and arrangements for first aid and fire safety. The applicant has also proposed conditions related to child protection, including staff training and the use of a safeguarding log.

The committee will need to consider these representations and the applicant's proposed conditions in line with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003, the guidance issued by the Secretary of State, and the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Statement of Licensing Policy. The decision will be based on whether the proposed activities and conditions are appropriate for the promotion of the four licensing objectives.