The Licensing Committee met on Tuesday 27 February 2024 to consider applications for premises licences and reviews of existing licences. The committee granted a new premises licence for Adana Premier Store, subject to conditions and reduced alcohol sales hours. A review application concerning Ten-Embee Sports Development Centre was dismissed, with the committee finding no further action was necessary. An application to vary the licence for Silks 177-181 Rushey Green was withdrawn.

Adana Premier Store Premises Licence Application

The committee considered a new premises licence application for Adana Premier Store, located at Unit D, Adana Building, Connington Road, SE13 7FD. The application proposed alcohol sales from 6 am to 11 pm daily.

During the meeting, significant concerns were raised by local residents regarding the proposed hours of operation, particularly the early morning alcohol sales and the premises' location within a residential courtyard. Objectors highlighted potential issues with noise nuisance, increased crime and disorder, and the impact on the local community, especially given the proximity to a children's playground. They also raised concerns about the suitability of the location for a retail outlet selling alcohol late into the evening.

The applicant's agent, Ms. Gill Sherratt, argued that the applicant had extensive experience in managing retail outlets, including those in challenging areas, and was committed to upholding licensing objectives. She stated that the proposed hours were necessary for the business's viability and that the applicant intended to invest significantly in the premises, including CCTV.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Mr. Richard Lockett, also raised objections to the proposed hours, believing the site should be treated as a residential area with preferred alcohol sales hours between 11 am and 11 pm.

Despite the objections, the committee granted the application for a new premises licence. However, the licence was granted subject to conditions agreed with the Police and the Licensing Authority, and crucially, with a reduction in the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol. Alcohol sales will now be permitted from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. Councillor Edison Huynh, the ward councillor for the area, recused himself from the decision-making process for this item.

Review of Ten-Embee Sports Development Centre Club Premises Certificate

The committee heard a review application concerning the Ten-Embee Sports Development Centre, located at The Pavilion, 120A Old Bromley Road, BR1 4JY. The review was initiated by two members of the public citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance.

Mr. Michael Stewart, representing residents of Meadowside Court, acknowledged the valuable community service provided by Ten-Embee and noted improvements in noise levels. However, he stated that residents had previously suffered from noise nuisance extending past midnight, impacting their well-being. He proposed continued dialogue and suggested that events should conclude at 11 pm, aligning with the Council's licensing policy, with exceptions for special occasions like New Year's Eve. He also suggested physical adjustments to the building, such as addressing noise from the side door.

Mr. Paul Palmer, representing Ten-Embee, emphasised the club's long-standing positive contribution to the community and highlighted the broad support it receives from local residents, evidenced by a petition and letters of support. He argued that reducing the licence hours based on complaints from a minority of residents in a new development would be unjust and disproportionate, potentially impacting the club's ability to fund its youth programmes. He stated that Ten-Embee had always been mindful of its neighbours and had proactively implemented measures to mitigate noise, including installing a noise limiter and ensuring patrons leave quietly.

Mr. Richard Lockett, from the Licensing Authority, confirmed that complaints had been received since September 2023, but officers had not witnessed statutory noise nuisance during their visits. He noted that Ten-Embee had been cooperative in implementing mitigation measures, leading to a reduction in complaints. He concluded that a reduction in operating hours was not sufficiently justified, and that restricting Temporary Event Notices (TENs) was not enforceable.

After considering all representations, the committee decided to take no further steps regarding the review. The committee found that changes made by Ten-Embee had resulted in significant improvements, with no noise issues reported in 2024. They were satisfied that the club was a responsible licence holder and that the current hours were suitable. The committee also noted that they could not restrict the ability to apply for TENs, as these are assessed separately.

Silks 177-181 Rushey Green SE6 4BD Licence Variation Application

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Silks, located at 177-181 Rushey Green, SE6 4BD. The proposed variations included adding off-sales for pre-purchased alcohol, extending seasonal variations to any day preceding a bank holiday until 5 am, extending closing times on Sundays and Thursdays until 3 am, and increasing hours for regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment.

However, this application was withdrawn before the committee could make a decision.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee confirmed and signed the minutes of the previous Licensing Committee meeting held on 13 December 2023. No declarations of interest were made by committee members for the items discussed.