The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss two applications for the review of premises licences. One concerned Exodus, a venue in Peckham, following an incident of serious crime and disorder. The other related to Bermondsey Arts Club, where residents had raised concerns about persistent anti-social behaviour and disorder.

Review of Exodus, 31 Peckham High Street, London SE15 5EB

The committee was scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for Exodus, located at 31 Peckham High Street, London SE15 5EB. This review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police Service under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, following an incident on 21 February 2026.

The police report detailed a serious crime of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) involving two individuals who had allegedly been inside the venue since around 04:00 hrs, consuming alcohol. The incident reportedly escalated from an argument to the use of bottles as weapons, resulting in stab wounds and other injuries. The police noted that the venue was allegedly operating outside its licensed hours at the time of the incident, and the designated premises supervisor (DPS) was not present.

The report also highlighted previous concerns regarding poor management and licence breaches, suggesting a disregard for the Licensing Act 2003 and its objectives. The Environmental Protection Team also supported the review, citing concerns about the premises operating outside permitted hours and deficiencies in management arrangements.

The premises licence for Exodus, issued on 25 September 2025, permitted the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises until 22:30 hrs Sunday to Thursday and 23:30 hrs on Fridays and Saturdays. Recorded music and late-night refreshment were permitted indoors on Friday and Saturday evenings until midnight. The venue's opening hours were until 23:00 hrs Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

An expedited review hearing had already taken place on 26 February 2026, where the Licensing Sub-Committee resolved to suspend the premises licence as an interim step pending the full review. This decision was based on findings that the venue was operating outside licensed hours, that police were not notified of the incident, that the crime scene was compromised, and that CCTV evidence was damaged. The licensee, Sogo Fasoyiro, had accepted responsibility and agreed to a voluntary suspension.

Remitted Review of Bermondsey Arts Club, 102a Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 4TP

The committee was also scheduled to consider a remitted review of the premises licence for the Bermondsey Arts Club, located at 102a Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 4TP. This review had been initiated by Another Person and was supported by representations from the Metropolitan Police Service and several other local residents.

The grounds for the review cited persistent anti-social behaviour and disorder, including littering, public drunkenness, aggressive conduct, and loud music spilling into the street. Residents alleged that patrons loitered outside the premises long after closing, creating a hotspot for nuisance and crime. A significant concern raised was the alleged fly-tipping of large appliances onto the street by staff members. Residents also claimed repeated breaches of existing licence conditions, including those related to noise control, outdoor alcohol consumption, smoking restrictions, and late-night admissions.

The Metropolitan Police Service's representation detailed numerous incidents over the past two years associated with the premises, including assaults, thefts, and a stabbing. They noted that many reports were closed due to a lack of evidence or victim cooperation, but highlighted concerns about the venue's operation.

The Bermondsey Arts Club's licence permitted live music, recorded music, performance of dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol for on and off-premises consumption, with opening hours extending to 04:00 hrs on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises licence holder, Bermondsey Arts Club Ltd., submitted extensive documentation outlining proposed changes to operational procedures, new conditions, and proactive measures to address residents' concerns. These included stricter controls at the door, re-introducing live jazz evenings, proposed ID scanning equipment, and a renewed effort to work with the council to relocate a problematic public bench.

The committee was also to consider the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, which indicated that for public houses, wine bars, or other drinking establishments in this residential area, recommended closing times were 23:00 hrs Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The Bermondsey Arts Club's current licence operated significantly later.

The report noted that the premises licence holder had lodged an appeal against a previous Licensing Sub-Committee decision on 20 November 2025, which had drastically reduced permitted hours. This appeal was ongoing at Croydon Magistrates' Court, and the licence holder had been operating under the pre-review hours.