The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 30 July 2026 to consider applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting's agenda included discussions on two specific venues: Lulu's at 1b Calton Avenue and The Empire Lounge at 777 Old Kent Road.

Lulu's, 1b Calton Avenue, London SE21 7DE

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Lulu's, a business described as a retail deli during the day and a restaurant in the evening, with associated on and off-sales of alcohol. The application was referred to the sub-committee due to representations from three other persons concerning the potential for public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

The report pack detailed the proposed operating hours, which included recorded music from 08:00 to 22:30 Monday to Saturday and 08:00 to 16:30 on Sundays, with alcohol sales and opening hours extending slightly beyond these times. It was noted that responsible authorities, including Trading Standards, the Police, and the Environmental Protection Team, had initially submitted representations but subsequently withdrew them after the applicant agreed to proposed conditions. However, representations from three other individuals remained outstanding. These representations raised concerns about potential noise and disturbance from the premises, particularly regarding noise and rubbish disposal in the evenings, and the possibility of the area becoming a no go zone.

The report also outlined the premises' previous licence history, noting a suspension due to non-payment of fees and that the premises had been observed as Under Offer during a recent inspection. The sub-committee was to consider the application in line with the Southwark Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031¹, which provides guidance on licensing objectives, operating hours, and cumulative impact policies. The premises is not located within a cumulative impact area (CIA).²

The Empire Lounge, Units 1 and 2, 777 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1NZ

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Empire Lounge. This application sought extended operating hours for recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. The application was subject to representations from two responsible authorities (the Metropolitan Police Service and the council's licensing authority) and three other persons (local residents).

The proposed hours were significantly later than those recommended in the Southwark Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031³ for premises in a residential area, with the application requesting hours extending to 04:00 on Fridays and Saturdays for recorded music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales. The police representation noted that the requested hours were outside the recommended closing times and suggested additional conditions to address the late operating hours. The licensing authority's representation recommended refusal, citing that the hours were outside the policy recommendations and that the premises already operated outside permitted hours in the past.

The report detailed a history of previous licensing applications and reviews for The Empire Lounge and Unit 2, 777 Old Kent Road, highlighting numerous instances of alleged breaches of licence conditions, operating outside permitted hours, and complaints related to noise nuisance, crime, and disorder. Representations from local residents expressed concerns about increased noise, anti-social behaviour, parking issues, and public urination, which they believed would be exacerbated by extended operating hours. The premises is not located within a cumulative impact area (CIA), but the policy recommends a 23:00 closing time for restaurants and drinking establishments in residential areas.