The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to consider a new application for a premises licence for Kingswood House. The meeting's agenda focused on the details of this application, including the proposed licensable activities, operating hours, and conditions, as well as any representations received from interested parties.

Application for a Premises Licence at Kingswood House

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application by HH Kingswood Limited for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Kingswood House, located at Seeley Drive, London SE21 8QN. The applicant proposed to use the premises as a Community arts centre, culture hub, and events venue.

The application detailed proposed operating hours for various licensable activities, including plays, films, live and recorded music, and performances of dance. These were scheduled from Sunday to Tuesday between 09:00 and 23:00, and Wednesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 00:00. The application also sought permission for late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 00:00 on Wednesdays to Saturdays, and for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, with hours extending to 23:30 on Wednesdays to Saturdays. A non-standard timing request was made for New Year's Eve, extending to the start of New Year's Day.

The report pack indicated that the application was subject to representations from seven other persons, including the Member of Parliament for Dulwich and West Norwood, Helen Hayes MP. These representations primarily concerned the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. Concerns were raised about potential noise and disturbance from late-night amplified music and patrons gathering outside the premises, particularly given the venue's location within a residential area. Some representations suggested that the requested hours exceeded those outlined in the council's licensing policy and called for additional control measures.

The report also noted the premises' previous licence history, which had been granted to Kingswood Arts CIC but subsequently lapsed due to administration. It detailed the conditions that were previously attached to the licence, which the current applicant intended to replicate.

The sub-committee was provided with information regarding the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, which outlines the framework for determining licence applications and promotes the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report highlighted relevant sections of the policy concerning operating hours, cumulative impact, and the prevention of nuisance.

The meeting was also scheduled to consider climate change implications, community, equalities, and health impacts, although the report noted that health impacts cannot be considered by law when making decisions under the Licensing Act 2003. The financial implications of the application, including the statutory fee paid by the applicant, were also outlined.

The report pack included copies of the application, representations received, the previous premises licence, a table of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) submitted for the premises, and a map of the locality.

The sub-committee was to consider the application based on the principles set out in the Licensing Act 2003, including the requirement to grant the licence unless relevant representations are received and it is necessary to do so to promote the licensing objectives. The report detailed the procedures for hearings, the council's multiple roles in relation to the application, and the quasi-judicial capacity in which the sub-committee must act.

The meeting agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies, confirmation of voting members, notification of urgent business, and the disclosure of interests.