The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 25 September 2025 to consider applications related to the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting agenda included discussions on premises licence applications for The Grand Lounge and Peckham Food and Wine, as well as a transfer application for Peckham Food and Wine.

The Grand Lounge, 777 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1NZ

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application from Grand Empire Group Limited for a premises licence for The Grand Lounge. This application was subject to two outstanding representations from responsible authorities, necessitating a determination by the sub-committee. The report pack detailed the proposed hours for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, regulated entertainment, and opening hours, which included extensions for specific weekends and holidays. The applicant described the premises as a Licensed bar and restaurant.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the council's environmental protection team. The police raised concerns about the scant description of the premises and proposed control measures, deeming the applied-for hours excessive in relation to the Southwark statement of licensing policy for a premises in a residential area. They believed granting the licence as applied would negatively impact all four licensing objectives. The environmental protection team echoed concerns about the applied hours being excessive and posing a risk of public nuisance, noting that the ground floor premises already generated complaints. They also highlighted the potential for increased issues due to a similar application on the floor above, and the lack of clear separation between the three potential licences within the building. The report pack also referenced the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, particularly sections relating to local cumulative impact policies and hours of operation.

Peckham Food and Wine, 176 Peckham High Street, London SE15 5EG - Transfer Application

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application by The Peckham Food Point Ltd to transfer a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. This application was subject to an objection notice from the Metropolitan Police Service, requiring determination by the sub-committee. The police objected to the transfer on grounds relating to the prevention of crime and disorder. Their objection cited a pending review of the premises licence by Southwark Council's Trading Standards unit due to concerns about illegal items being stored and sold, as well as previous representations from the police regarding licence breaches and employing staff without right-to-work checks. The police stated that these issues occurred while the director of The Peckham Food Point Ltd was the manager of the store, and they had no confidence in this individual's management history. The police also noted a lack of documentation regarding ownership and expressed concern that the transfer system had been used to circumvent the review process. Paragraphs 94 and 95 of Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy were referenced, which require documented proof of business transfer for new management control.

The report pack detailed a significant history of licensing issues at the premises, including previous licence revocations and applications that were withdrawn or refused. It also outlined multiple breaches of licence conditions observed during visits by police and licensing officers, including issues with CCTV, training records, the EPOS system, and sales to underage individuals. Warning letters had been issued, and a Trading Standards inspection had resulted in the seizure of non-compliant vapes and cigarettes.

Peckham Food and Wine, 176 Peckham High Street, Peckham, London SE15 5EG - Review

In addition to the transfer application, the sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for the review of the premises licence held by Muhammad Baloch for Peckham Food and Wine. This review was initiated by Southwark Council's Trading Standards service under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003. The grounds for the review were stated to be breaches under the Licensing Act 2003, primarily concerning the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. The review application detailed multiple breaches found during inspections on 6 March, 8 March, and 15 March 2025, including issues with CCTV, staff training, the EPOS system, sales to minors, and the sale of non-compliant tobacco products. Warning letters had been issued, and a test purchase operation resulted in the sale of a vape to a 17-year-old. The review application also highlighted concerns about the licence holder's uncontactability and the premises appearing to be run by an individual who was not the licence holder or DPS. Representations supporting the review were submitted by the council's licensing service and the Metropolitan Police Service, both recommending the revocation of the premises licence. The report pack also included details of previous licensing history, including a licence revocation in 2017 and subsequent applications and variations.

The sub-committee was also to consider the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, particularly sections relating to cumulative impact areas (CIAs), noting that Peckham is designated as a CIA for off-licences and convenience stores, with a recommended closing time of midnight.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as receiving apologies, confirming voting members, notifying urgent items, and disclosing interests. Part B of the agenda indicated the potential exclusion of the press and public for closed business items.