The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council met on 10 April 2025 to consider an application for a summary review of a premises licence. The meeting was convened to determine whether any interim steps were necessary, pending a full review. The report pack includes an application for the Summary Review and an overview of the hearing procedure.

Application for Summary Review: Aquum

The primary item for discussion was an application for a Summary Review of the premises licence for Aquum, located at 68-70 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UL. The application was submitted by Detective Superintendent Emma Bond of the Metropolitan Police, following an allegation of a serious sexual assault at the nightclub on 29 March 2025. The police notified of the incident by the victim on 02 April 2025.

The report pack included a summary of the application, stating that:

The Metropolitan Police contend that the premises is associated with serious crime and disorder. A certificate signed by Detective Superintendent (Emma Bond) has been provided to this effect.

As part of the summary review process, the Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider taking interim steps, which could include:

• Modifying the conditions of the licence.
• Excluding the sale of alcohol by retail from the scope of the premises licence.
• Removing the designated premises supervisor from the licence.
• Suspending the premises licence.

According to the report pack, the current premises licence, a copy of which was included in the report pack, was transferred to Aquum Limited in January 2009, and prior to that was held by Theodoros Haji Georgiou. Theodoros Haji Georgiou has been the Designated Premises Supervisor for the venue since 2007.

The licence authorises several licensable activities, including:

• Films
• Live Music
• Recorded Music
• Performances of Dance
• Entertainment Similar to Music/Dance
• Late Night Refreshment
• Sale by Retail of Alcohol

The report pack notes that Chapters 2 and 12 of the Statutory Guidance (February 2025) are particularly relevant to the application.

Licensing Act 2003 and Licensing Objectives

The report pack also included information about the Licensing Act 2003, which provides the legal framework for the licensing of premises for the supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. It states that the Licensing Authority must carry out its functions under the Act with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• The promotion of public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm

The report pack states that when considering licence applications, the Sub-Committee should have regard to Lambeth Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, Statutory Guidance, and the licensing objectives. It also notes the importance of ensuring that all licensing decisions have a direct relationship to the promotion of one or more of the four licensing objectives and that there should not be a 'blanket policy' that prevents the exercise of discretion in each individual case.