The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Tuesday 21 May 2024 to consider an application for a premises licence for The Tankard, located at 176-178 Walworth Road, London SE17 1JL. The committee granted the licence, subject to a number of conditions, after representations from responsible authorities and an objector were addressed and subsequently withdrawn.

The Tankard Premises Licence Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a premises licence for The Tankard, a public house with a long history dating back to 1860. The application was made by Walworth Arms Limited to replace a previous licence that had been surrendered in error.

The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music and performances of dance. The proposed hours were initially outside the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy recommended terminal hours.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the council's licensing authority, primarily concerning the proposed hours and the need for robust conditions to promote the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder. An objection was also lodged by a local resident citing concerns about public nuisance and the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area.

During the meeting, the applicant, represented by Sinead Hylton, agreed to amended terminal hours and accepted a comprehensive set of conditions proposed by the Metropolitan Police and the council's licensing authority. These conditions covered various aspects, including CCTV operation, staff training, incident logging, public safety measures, prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The applicant also confirmed that external speakers would be disconnected and that any music would be confined to the interior of the premises.

Following these agreements, both the Metropolitan Police and the resident objector withdrew their representations. The committee noted that the applicant appeared responsible and experienced, and that the proposed hours were now largely compliant with the council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

The sub-committee resolved to grant the premises licence to Walworth Arms Limited. The licence permits:

• Sale of alcohol (on and off-premises): Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 to 23:30; Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 to 22:30.
• Late night refreshment: Thursday to Saturday: 23:00 to 23:30; Sunday to Wednesday: 23:00 to 22:30.
• Regulated entertainment (live and recorded music, dance - indoors): Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 to 23:30; Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 to 22:30.
• Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 to 00:00; Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 to 23:00.
• Seasonal variations: For New Year's Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, St George's Day, and St Patrick's Day, all licensable activities will run from 11:00 to 01:00, with activities ceasing 30 minutes before the terminal hour.

The operation of the premises will be subject to mandatory conditions, conditions from the operating schedule, conditions agreed with the Metropolitan Police Service and Licensing, and a list of additional conditions agreed by the sub-committee. These include requirements for CCTV, risk assessments for SIA door supervisors, emergency procedures, waste management, and a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme. The sub-committee also recommended that the premises make a contact number available to local residents for any issues that may arise.