The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider a licensing application and a premises review. The meeting's agenda included the election of a chair, receiving apologies for absence, confirming voting members, and disclosures of interest.

Canterbury Arms Review

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a request from the Metropolitan Police for a summary review of the premises licence for the Canterbury Arms at 2-4 Maddock Way, following a serious incident on 20 November 2025.

According to the report pack, the Metropolitan Police Service applied for a summary review of the premises licence on 26 November 2025, stating that in their opinion, the premises are associated with serious crime, serious disorder, or both. A Superintendent for the Metropolitan Police Service certified this opinion.

The grounds for the review, as stated in the application, relate to an incident where police were called to a cardiac arrest outside the premises. The report pack states that the victim had been ejected from the pub, was involved in an altercation, and was then punched to the head. The report pack also states that the victim was then helped back inside by bar staff, before being ejected again through the front entrance, where he collapsed.

The report pack goes on to state that when police attempted to collect CCTV footage, the premises were closed, and no contact could be made with management. Upon inspection, the CCTV was found to be partially dismantled and offered no evidential value. A staff member reportedly indicated that the person in charge was avoiding authorities due to being in arrears at the premises. The Metropolitan Police Service stated that they believed there was no managerial structure in place during a situation of serious crime and disorder.

The report pack notes that the premises licence, issued on 14 March 2020, was surrendered on 26 November 2025 by Marie Ann Harrison, the designated premises supervisor (DPS). The report pack also notes that it is possible for a transfer application to be applied requesting a reinstatement of the premises licence following surrender under Section 50(1)(b) of the Licensing Act 2003, if the application is submitted within 28 days from the day of surrender.

The sub-committee was asked to consider whether to take interim steps, pending a full review hearing scheduled for 18 December 2025. The possible steps available to the sub-committee included modifying the licence conditions, excluding a licensable activity, removing the DPS, or suspending the licence.

The report pack included details of complaints received since 2019, and logs of visits to the premises by the council's Night-Time Economy Team since 2019.

B Square Deli Licensing Application

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application from S Lyons Limited to vary the premises licence for B Square Deli, located at 1 Bermondsey Square.

S Lyons Limited applied to vary the premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003, seeking extended hours for the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment in the form of recorded music. The current and proposed hours are:

• Sale of alcohol:

  • Monday to Saturday: 08:00 to 22:30, Sunday: 08:00 to 21:30 (current)
  • Sunday to Wednesday: 08:00 to 23:30, Thursday to Friday: 08:00 to 00:30, Saturday: 08:00 to 01:00 (proposed)

• Regulated entertainment (recorded music):

  • Monday to Saturday: 08:00 to 22:30, Sunday: 08:00 to 21:30 (current)
  • Sunday to Wednesday: 08:00 to 23:30, Thursday to Friday: 08:00 to 00:30, Saturday: 08:00 to 01:00 (proposed)

• Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 08:00 to 23:00, Sunday: 08:00 to 22:00 (current)
  • Sunday to Wednesday: 08:00 to 00:00, Thursday to Friday: 08:00 to 01:00, Saturday: 08:00 to 01:30 (proposed)

According to the report pack, the applicant described the intended operation as simply Extended opening and licensable hours.

One representation was received from a local resident, who stated that there are already issues with antisocial behaviour in the locality and that extending the hours for alcohol sales would exacerbate the problem. The resident stressed that this was not due to the style of operation of the premises, but that the premises' close proximity to residential dwellings makes it unsuitable for a later licence.

The report pack notes that the applicant wrote to the resident to see if they could conciliate, but the resident confirmed that they wished their representation to stand.

The Metropolitan Police Service initially submitted a representation requesting additional conditions, but this was later withdrawn after the applicant agreed to the requested conditions. These included measures such as:

• Installation and maintenance of a CCTV system.
• A staff member trained in the use of the CCTV system being present when the premises are open.
• Implementation of a dispersal policy.
• Use of biodegradable packaging for takeaway food.
• Sales of alcohol for consumption off the premises only in sealed containers.
• No designated vertical drinking area.
• No DJ-led events or dedicated dance floor.
• Signage requesting that alcohol sold for off-sales should not be consumed in the vicinity of the premises.
• Risk assessments to determine the need for additional staff or SIA licensed security.

The report pack also notes that the premises lies outside of a cumulative impact area¹ and within a residential area. It notes that the recommended closing hours in such an area are 23:00 daily for restaurants, public houses, wine bars, and other drinking establishments, according to Southwark's statement of licensing policy 2021-2026.