The Licensing Review Sub-Committee met on Monday 19 January 2026 to review the premises licence for Chi Chi Dishes, located at 29-31 Hare Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6NE. The committee resolved to approve recommendations to modify the conditions of the premises licence.

Review of Premises Licence for Chi Chi Dishes, 29-31 Hare Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6NE

The Licensing Review Sub-Committee considered an application to review the premises licence for Chi Chi Dishes, a restaurant and bar located at 29-31 Hare Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6NE. The review was initiated by a local resident, Ms Polina Sasinovich, citing concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

The committee resolved to modify the conditions of the premises licence. These modifications include the requirement for the licence holder to prepare and agree a Noise Management Plan (NMP) with Environmental Health within 42 days. This plan must include measures to prevent unreasonable noise escape, ensure hourly sound checks, manage patrons leaving the venue, and incorporate the use of a noise limiter and other noise attenuation measures. Additionally, a noise limiter must be installed and maintained to a level satisfactory to an authorised Environmental Health Officer, with its operational panel secured. Conditions relating to live or recorded music were to have effect notwithstanding certain sections of the Licensing Act 2003. Condition 20 within Annex 2 of the Premises Licence was amended to specify that nuisance should not be caused to local residents and businesses . Furthermore, Condition 23, concerning a Dispersal Policy, was to be amended to require adoption within 28 days, with staff training every six months, and consultation with the Licensing Authority and Police. This policy must include specific measures for patron dispersal to prevent noise and nuisance to residents, and regular inspections of external areas to discourage loitering.

The basis for the decision highlighted submissions from the applicant detailing incidents of noise, nuisance, shouting, and screaming by patrons, as well as instances of young people using nitrous oxide. Specific dates of noise and nuisance incidents were provided, along with reports of parties continuing until 5 am. The applicant stated that the noise and nuisance were directly attributable to patrons of Chi Chi Dishes, visible from her window. She also noted that previous complaints to the Council's Community Protection Team had been dismissed, and that officers had not always attended promptly enough to witness the disturbances. Police had also been called on multiple occasions without effective action.

The Licensing Sub-Committee noted breaches and non-compliance with licence conditions by the licence holder, despite her assertions of diligent upholding of licensing objectives. A police inspection had identified non-compliance with six licence conditions, including those relating to private parties, CCTV, staff training, a refusals log, a drugs policy, and SIA door supervisors. The committee acknowledged evidence of noise and public nuisance associated with the premises and patrons loitering outside.

The licence holder stated that she had implemented strict controls on music and kept windows and doors closed. However, she did not provide a clear answer regarding the installation of an acoustic lobby or compliance with the Dispersal Policy. The applicant argued that an acoustic lobby would not address loud music from specific events and parties. The committee concluded that there was public nuisance associated with the premises and modified the licence conditions accordingly. While the committee noted that parking issues were outside their remit, the licence holder was advised to encourage patrons to park considerately and use public transport.