The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 30 July 2026 to consider applications for new premises licences. The meeting's agenda included discussions on two specific venues: Lulu's and The Empire Lounge.

Licensing Act 2003: Lulu's, 1b Calton Avenue, London SE21 7DE

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application from Lulu's London Limited for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003¹. The application proposed that the premises would operate as a retail deli during the day and a restaurant in the evening, with associated on and off-sales of alcohol. The proposed hours for recorded music were Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 22:30 and Sunday from 08:00 to 16:30. Alcohol sales were proposed to be available Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 22:30 and Sunday from 08:00 to 16:30, with the premises opening hours set from 08:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 08:00 to 17:00 on Sundays.

The report pack indicated that initial representations from responsible authorities, including Trading Standards, the Police, and the Environmental Protection Team (EPT), had been withdrawn after the applicant agreed to proposed conditions. However, representations from three other persons remained, raising concerns about potential noise and disturbance, rubbish disposal, and the premises becoming a no go area. These representations were focused on the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. The report also noted that the premises previously held a licence for Heritage Cheese Ltd, which had been suspended due to non-payment of fees.

The sub-committee was to consider these representations in light of Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031², which provides guidance on appropriate operating hours for different types of premises within local town centre areas.

Licensing Act 2003: The Empire Lounge, Units 1 and 2, 777 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1NZ

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application from Speedlink Services Ltd for a premises licence for The Empire Lounge. This application sought extended operating hours for the venue, described as a Licensed Bar & Restaurant . The proposed hours included recorded music from Monday to Tuesday 11:00 to 00:00, Wednesday and Sunday 11:00 to 01:00, Thursday 11:00 to 02:00, and Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 04:00. Late night refreshment and alcohol sales were proposed to align with these hours, with opening hours extending to 04:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application was subject to representations from two responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police Service and the council's licensing authority. Both representations highlighted that the requested hours were outside the recommended closing times in Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy for premises in a residential area, and recommended additional licence conditions. Three other persons, local residents, also submitted representations detailing concerns about existing noise nuisance, crime and disorder, and anti-social behaviour, which they believed would be exacerbated by extended hours.

The report pack provided a detailed history of previous licensing applications and decisions for The Empire Lounge and Unit 1 at 777 Old Kent Road, indicating a history of breaches of licence conditions, operating outside permitted hours, and noise complaints. It also detailed previous applications for extended hours, some of which were refused or granted with reduced hours. The sub-committee was to consider these historical issues alongside the current application and the relevant licensing objectives.