The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 28 January 2025 to consider three licensing applications. The committee granted the variation application for Marks and Spencer in Brixton Road, approved a new premises licence for Hybrid Bar and Restaurant in Streatham High Road, and granted a new premises licence for Commune Studios in Portslade Road.

Marks and Spencer, 446-450 Brixton Road, London SW9 8ED (Variation Application)

Marks and Spencer PLC applied to vary their premises licence to allow the sale of alcohol from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, an hour earlier than their current licence. Sunday hours remained unchanged. The Licensing Authority objected to the application on the grounds that the proposed hours fell outside the council's licensing policy, which recommends an 11:00 am start for off-licences in major town centres like Brixton. However, Marks and Spencer agreed to proposed conditions, including the implementation of a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme and the maintenance of CCTV systems. The Sub-Committee decided to grant the variation, satisfied that the agreed conditions would promote the licensing objectives.

Hybrid Bar and Restaurant, 22 Streatham High Road, London SW16 1DB (New Premises Licence)

Mr Carlos Harris applied for a new premises licence for Hybrid Bar and Restaurant, seeking to operate with live music, recorded music, entertainment, late-night refreshments, and the sale of alcohol. The original application proposed late hours, including until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 am for alcohol sales on Mondays. This led to 22 representations against the application from residents and the council's Public Protection team, citing concerns about noise, public nuisance, crime, disorder, and public safety, particularly given the proximity to residential properties.

Following discussions, the applicant agreed to reduced hours and revised conditions. The agreed hours for licensable activities became Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, with opening hours from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, and until 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant also agreed to a number of conditions, including the installation of a sound limiter, a dispersal policy from 10:30 pm, and a zero-tolerance policy on drugs.

Despite these concessions, some objectors maintained their concerns, particularly regarding noise levels and the potential for disturbance. The Sub-Committee carefully considered all representations and determined to grant the application with the agreed conditions and reduced hours. They also imposed additional conditions, including the requirement for confirmation of the sound limiter's installation to the satisfaction of the Public Protection team, amendments to conditions regarding tables and chairs, and an earlier dispersal policy implementation time.

Commune Studios Ltd, Arch 657 Portslade Road, London, SW8 3DH (New Application)

Commune Studios Ltd applied for a new premises licence for Arch 657 Portslade Road, seeking to operate as a venue for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshments, and recorded music. The initial application proposed late hours, including until 6:00 am on Fridays and 7:00 am on Saturdays. This application received nine representations: four in favour, four against, and one from the Licensing Authority.

The Licensing Authority objected on the grounds that the premises was classified as a Nightclub/Non-Diversified Alcohol Led Venue within a local centre/shopping parade, which they deemed inappropriate for the area according to Lambeth's Licensing Policy. Concerns were raised about potential public nuisance, public safety, crime, and disorder.

However, the applicant, Commune Studios Ltd, presented significant evidence of their commitment to mitigating these concerns. They had operated under numerous Temporary Event Notices (TENs) without any reported complaints to the police, Environmental Health, or the Licensing Authority. They had also invested heavily in soundproofing and noise management, with detailed monitoring plans and results provided. The applicant also agreed to further conditions, including reduced hours for alcohol sales and recorded music, the implementation of an ID scan system, a dispersal policy, and the provision of a designated safe space.

After careful consideration of all representations and evidence, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the application. They imposed several conditions, including a direct telephone number for the manager to be made available to residents and businesses, routine litter picks around the premises, and the provision of a designated safe space within the establishment. The Sub-Committee was satisfied that the business model and agreed conditions would promote the licensing objectives.