The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to consider applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting's agenda included discussions on two specific venues: Walworth Living Room and Black Bear Burger.

Walworth Living Room, All Saints Hall, Surrey Square, London SE17 2JU

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Walworth Living Room, located at All Saints Hall, Surrey Square, London SE17 2JU. The application, made by Pembroke College Settlement, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption and for the premises to be open to the public during specified hours. The proposed hours for alcohol sales were from 11:30 to 21:00 on Sundays to Wednesdays, and 11:30 to 22:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays. The premises' opening hours were proposed as 09:00 to 22:00 from Sunday to Wednesday, and 09:00 to 23:00 from Thursday to Saturday.

The application detailed that the venue operates as a community space, hosting various activities, with the sale and consumption of alcohol intended for the Main Hall, Small Hall, and the courtyard area. The report pack indicated that representations had been received from the Environmental Protection Team and two local residents. The Metropolitan Police Service and the Licensing Authority had initially made representations but these were later withdrawn following the agreement of a set of conditions. The Environmental Protection Team's representation remained outstanding, raising concerns about potential public nuisance, particularly regarding the use of the external courtyard. The local residents' representations also cited concerns about potential disturbance due to the premises' proximity to residential dwellings.

The report pack outlined the principles for determining such applications under the Licensing Act 2003, emphasizing the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It also referenced Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, the Section 182 Guidance, and the National Licensing Policy Framework.

Black Bear Burger, 190 Redcross Way, London SE1 9AB

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider a new application for a premises licence for Black Bear Burger, located at 190 Redcross Way, London SE1 9AB. The applicant, Black Bear Burger Ltd, described the premises as a Premium burger restaurant within railway arch near Borough Market/London Bridge. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment indoors and the sale of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption.

The proposed hours for late-night refreshment were from 23:00 to 23:30 from Sunday to Thursday, and 23:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Alcohol sales were proposed from 10:00 to 23:30 from Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises' opening hours were proposed as 10:00 to 00:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report indicated that the Licensing Authority had initially made a representation concerning the prevention of public nuisance, but this was withdrawn after the applicant agreed to additional conditions. The Police also had no representation due to pre-consultation and agreed conditions. However, a representation from one other person, a ward councillor, remained outstanding. This representation expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the promotion of the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety within the Borough and Bankside Cumulative Impact Area. The applicant had engaged with the Licensing Authority and the Police to agree on conditions, and correspondence had been sent to the objector to address their concerns.

The report highlighted that the premises is located within the Borough and Bankside Cumulative Impact Area, and noted the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, which provides guidance on appropriate closing times for premises in this area.

The meeting agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies, confirmation of voting members, notification of urgent business, and the disclosure of interests and dispensations. Part B of the agenda indicated the potential exclusion of the press and public for certain items if they involved the disclosure of exempt information.