The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 10 October 2024 to consider two applications related to premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting's agenda included a review of an existing licence for a premises in Jamaica Road and an application for a new licence for a business in Manor Place.

Hot Box Chicken and Pizza, Arch 182, 30 Manor Place, London SE17 3BB

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Hot Box Chicken and Pizza, located at Arch 182, 30 Manor Place, London SE17 3BB. The application, submitted by Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed, sought permission for the premises to operate as a takeaway, delivery service, and cafe. The proposed hours for late-night refreshment were from Sunday to Thursday, 23:00 to 02:00, and on Friday and Saturday, 23:00 to 03:00. The premises would also be open to the public during similar hours.

The report pack indicated that the application had received representations from several responsible authorities, including the Metropolitan Police Service, the council's environmental protection team, the health and safety team, and the licensing unit. The Metropolitan Police Service objected to the licence being granted in its entirety, citing concerns that the proposed terminal hours could lead to an increase in crime and disorder, noise nuisance, and anti-social behaviour. The environmental protection team raised concerns about late-night operations due to the proximity of residential addresses and requested a condition regarding the pickup of delivery food. The health and safety team noted that the premises appeared to be operating as a shisha lounge, with patrons smoking indoors, which is contrary to the Health Act 2006, and that the proposed hours were outside the council's statement of licensing policy. The licensing unit also expressed concerns about the excessive hours and requested a range of conditions to mitigate potential negative impacts.

There were also three representations from other persons supporting the application. The report noted that the premises had not been licensed previously and had no history of complaints. The sub-committee was to consider these representations in light of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, which provides guidance on appropriate operating hours for different types of premises in various areas. For takeaways in the Elephant and Castle major town centre, the recommended closing hours were midnight on Sundays to Thursdays and 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

City Wines (aka Dennis Wines), 141 Jamaica Road, London SE16 4SH

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application for the review of the premises licence held by Kavirach Nagarajah for City Wines, located at 141 Jamaica Road, London SE16 4SH. The review application was submitted by the council's trading standards service.

The grounds for the review were primarily related to the sale of alcohol to a minor and other alleged offences. The report detailed an underage sales exercise conducted on 15 June 2024, where a 15-year-old volunteer was sold a bottle of ale. During the visit, officers also reportedly found illegal vapes and suspected smuggled goods. Further offences were noted, including the open display of tobacco products and the absence of a required statutory notice. The trading standards service requested that the premises licence be revoked.

The licensing unit, as a responsible authority, supported the review application, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. They noted that offences under the Licensing Act 2003 had allegedly taken place and that other age-restricted product sales indicated a persistent pattern of behaviour.

The premises licence holder is Kavirach Nagarajah, who is also the designated premises supervisor (DPS). The licence permits the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 23:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 22:30. The report indicated that there were no complaints received by the licensing unit regarding the premises. The sub-committee was to consider the evidence presented and decide on appropriate action, which could include modifying licence conditions, suspending the licence, or revoking it.