The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for the Ship Aground Public House. This review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police due to concerns about serious crime and disorder.

Review of Ship Aground Public House

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a review of the premises licence for the Ship Aground Public House, located at 33 Wolseley Street, London SE1 2BP. The review was requested by the Metropolitan Police Service under Section 53C of the Licensing Act 2003.

The report pack indicated that the grounds for the review stemmed from an incident on 8 July 2026, when officers from the Southwark Police Violent Focus Desk executed a warrant at the premises. During this warrant, a small quantity of suspected class A drugs and a firearm were reportedly found inside a safe on the premises. The Metropolitan Police Service certified that, in their opinion, the premises were associated with serious crime and serious disorder.

The report pack detailed the current premises licence for the Ship Aground, which authorises the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 10:00 to 00:00 daily, and late-night refreshment indoors from 23:00 to 23:30. The premises' opening hours were set from 10:00 to 01:00 daily. Michael Jarman was listed as the designated premises supervisor (DPS) and the premises licence holder.

The report outlined that an interim hearing had already taken place on 10 July 2026. The report also included representations from responsible authorities and other persons. The council's Licensing Unit submitted a representation recommending the revocation of the premises licence. Ei Group Ltd, the freeholder of the premises, stated that they had commenced lease termination proceedings and would not oppose a suspension of the licence.

The report also provided background information on the operating history of the premises, including previous licensing inspections and a list of complaints received by the Licensing Unit. These complaints, dating from August 2021 to June 2026, included allegations of drug dealing, the sale of non-brewery alcohol, rodent issues, and noise disturbances from loud music.

The sub-committee was reminded of its duties under the Licensing Act 2003, which include promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, the promotion of public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report detailed the potential steps the sub-committee could take, including modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the DPS, suspending the licence, or revoking the licence.

The sub-committee was also directed to consider Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, the Section 182 Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003, and the National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors. The premises were noted as not being within a cumulative impact area, but were situated in a residential/mixed-use area, for which the policy recommended closing times of 23:00 for public houses and bars.

The report also included supplementary advice from the Interim Director of Law and Governance, outlining the principles for making a determination, the council's multiple roles in such proceedings, and the quasi-judicial capacity of the sub-committee. The sub-committee was advised to consider only relevant factors and to base its decision on evidence.

The meeting was scheduled to be attended by Councillor Jane Salmon (Chair), Councillor Sunny Lambe, Councillor Margy Newens, PC Mark Lynch, Toyin Calfos, Esther Jones, Jayne Tear, Debra Allday, Wesley McArthur, Charlotte Precious, and Andrew Weir.