The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council met on Friday 23 January 2026 to consider two applications for premises licences. The first was for a new licence at Old Dunstonian House Club in Beckenham, and the second was for a variation to an existing licence at Ornithology Bars & Restaurants Ltd in Petts Wood. Both applications had attracted a significant number of objections from local residents and councillors.

New Premises Licence Application for Old Dunstonian House Club

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Old Dunstonian House Club, located at St Dunstan's Lane, Beckenham, BR3 3SS. The application proposed the sale of alcohol on and off the premises, as well as regulated entertainment including plays, films, live and recorded music. The proposed hours for opening were Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 01:30, and Sunday from 09:00 to 22:30. Alcohol sales were proposed to run concurrently with opening hours, with live and recorded music also scheduled for extended periods, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report pack indicated that 63 objections had been submitted by residents and local councillors, alongside one representation in support. Objections raised concerns primarily related to the potential for public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Specific issues highlighted included noise from late-night music and patrons, increased traffic and parking problems on narrow residential roads, and the impact on the quiet residential character of the area. Some objectors also expressed concerns about the proximity to local schools and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour. The applicant had agreed conditions with the Metropolitan Police and the Bromley Safeguarding Children team.

Application for Variation to Premises Licence at Ornithology Bars & Restaurants Ltd

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a variation to the premises licence at Ornithology Bars & Restaurants Ltd, located at 125 Queensway, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1DG. The application sought to vary the licence to include the sale of alcohol on and off the premises, and recorded and live music both indoors and outdoors. The proposed hours for opening and alcohol sales were Sunday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 23:00, and Thursday to Saturday from 09:00 to 00:00. Live and recorded music were proposed to be permitted until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

This application had received 21 objections from local residents, ward councillors, and one responsible authority, with two representations in support. The objections focused heavily on the prevention of public nuisance, citing concerns about noise from live and recorded music, particularly from the outdoor areas, and the impact of late-night operations on residents living above and adjacent to the premises. Concerns were also raised about the potential for increased crime and disorder, public safety issues related to late-night dispersal, and the protection of children from harm. The Metropolitan Police had agreed conditions with the applicant, and the Environmental Health department had raised an objection specifically regarding the proposed use of external areas until midnight, recommending a terminal hour of 22:00 for outdoor seating with drinks.

The Licensing Act 2003¹ governs the granting of premises licences, outlining four licensing objectives that must be promoted: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The Licensing Sub-Committee is tasked with considering all representations made and determining whether to grant the licence as applied for, grant it with conditions, or refuse it.