The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider two applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting focused on applications for Funicular Productions at Units 3 & 4, Crucifix Lane, and Sotto at 4 Tanner Street, both in London SE1.

Licensing Act 2003: Funicular Productions, Units 3 & 4, Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW

The committee was scheduled to consider an application from Funicular Productions Ltd for a premises licence for Units 3 & 4, Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW. This application was referred to the sub-committee for determination due to ten representations received from local residents.

The proposed licensable activities included the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, regulated entertainment such as plays, films, and live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment. The applicant sought to operate from Sunday to Thursday between 10:00 and 23:30, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 00:30. Proposed opening hours were from 08:00 to 00:00 on Sundays to Thursdays, and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also included provisions for non-standard timings for licensable activities and opening hours on specific holidays and events.

The representations from local residents raised concerns about potential nuisance and disturbance, the suitability of the proposed operating hours, waste management, and the congregation of customers in the local area, potentially leading to anti-social behaviour. Residents also noted the existing number of licensed premises in the vicinity and expressed concerns about increased taxi traffic and the impact on families with young children.

The report pack detailed the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, and guidance from the Home Office. It also outlined the council's approach to cumulative impact policies and recommended closing times for various types of licensed premises in residential areas. The report noted that the premises are not located within a cumulative impact area (CIA).

The applicant, Funicular Productions Ltd, proposed a number of conditions to promote the licensing objectives, including the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, the keeping of an incident log, support for the Ask for Angela initiative, and the implementation of a welfare and vulnerability policy. Other proposed conditions related to a dispersal policy, no DJ-led events, no dedicated dance floor, the employment of SIA-registered door supervisors, and restrictions on noise and waste disposal.

Licensing Act 2003: Sotto, 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application from Sotto London Limited for a premises licence for Sotto, located at 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD. This application was referred for determination due to outstanding representations from two responsible authorities (the Police and Trading Standards) and six other persons.

The application sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption, with proposed hours from 12:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The premises were described as a ground-floor commercial unit operating on a single floor, with an open-plan layout featuring a bar, kitchen, tables, and chairs for customers, including a large communal dining table.

Representations from the Police requested additional conditions to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, while Trading Standards sought conditions to protect children from harm. Representations from six other persons, primarily residents living above the premises, raised concerns about potential disturbance from customers, external smoking and congregation, noise, vibration, deliveries, pest concerns, and the proximity of the premises to residential addresses. Some residents also noted that the premises had been represented as office use in their tenancy agreements, which they felt was incompatible with a restaurant serving alcohol.

The report outlined the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy, and relevant Home Office guidance. It noted that the premises are located outside of a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) but within the Bankside, Borough, London Bridge Strategic Cultural Area. The report listed several licensed premises in the immediate vicinity.

Sotto London Limited's operating schedule included conditions such as the implementation of a Challenge 25 policy, training for staff on underage sales and responsible alcohol service, and the maintenance of a register of refused alcohol sales. Other proposed conditions related to staff training on licensing objectives, the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety measures including CCTV, and the prevention of public nuisance through noise control and waste management.