The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to consider a new premises licence application for Crispies, a restaurant located at 343-345 Walworth Road. The primary concern revolves around the proposed operating hours and potential impact on the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance, crime, and the safeguarding of public safety. The sub-committee will review the application, representations from responsible authorities and other persons, and relevant council policies to determine whether to grant the licence, modify the conditions, or reject the application.

Crispies Licensing Application

Crispies Enterprises Ltd has applied for a premises licence for its restaurant, Crispies, seeking permission to operate with late-night refreshment services from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, seven days a week. The application describes the premises as a restaurant on a high street .

Representations

Several parties have raised concerns regarding the application.

Responsible Authorities

Initially, both the Metropolitan Police and the council's licensing team submitted representations. The police have since withdrawn their objection after the applicant agreed to amend their operating schedule and incorporate additional conditions. These include measures such as using reputable delivery companies, installing CCTV, maintaining an incident log, and ensuring food for takeaway is properly wrapped.

The council's licensing team, led by Wesley McArthur, Principal Enforcement Officer, maintains its objection, arguing that the proposed hours exceed those recommended in the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 and could negatively impact the licensing objectives. Wesley McArthur recommends that the operating hours are brought in line with the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy, which suggests closing times of midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays for restaurants and cafes in the Elephant and Castle major town centre¹. Wesley McArthur also suggests a suite of conditions to promote the licensing objectives, including staff training, CCTV, incident logs, and measures to prevent public nuisance, such as instructing delivery drivers to switch off engines and displaying signage regarding noise and litter.

Other Persons

Three representations have been received from other persons, raising concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and public safety. These representations focus on potential issues such as noise, anti-social behaviour, litter, and the impact on residential amenity. One representation refers to the impact of granting a late night trading licence to McDonald's on Walworth Road, and the increase in violence and anti-social behaviour in the area. Another representation highlights the increasing number of licensed applications making ordinary life in the area very difficult for residents.

Southwark Council Statement of Licensing Policy

The Southwark Council Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 is a key document in the sub-committee's considerations. It outlines the council's approach to licensing and provides guidance on appropriate operating hours for different types of premises in various locations. The policy aims to balance the needs of businesses with the protection of residents and the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The report pack notes that the premises is situated in the Elephant and Castle major town centre, and is not within a cumulative impact area².

Climate Change Implications

The report pack mentions that the council is committed to considering the climate change implications of any decisions, following a council assembly on 14 July 2021. While climate change is not a legal factor in the grant of a premises licence, the sub-committee may make enquiries and request an agreement from applicants to promote the reduction of the impact of climate change. Examples include not using single-use plastics and encouraging patrons to use public transport.

Key Considerations for the Sub-Committee

The sub-committee is required to consider the application on its own merits, taking into account the representations received, the Licensing Act 2003, the Section 182 Guidance, and the council's statement of licensing policy. The sub-committee must focus on the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.