This meeting considered an application for a new premises licence for The Kernel Taproom at 132 Spa Road, London SE16 3AE. The application was submitted by The Kernel Taproom Ltd., whose proposed designated premises supervisor is Evin O'Riordain. The application was due to be considered in the presence of all three Councillors.

Application from The Kernel Taproom Ltd. for The Kernel Taproom

A report included for discussion in the meeting pack concerned the application for a new premises licence by The Kernel Taproom Ltd. for The Kernel Taproom, which is at 132 Spa Road in the South Bermondsey ward. The applicant requested permission for:

• The sale by retail of alcohol (on and off the premises) - Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 23:00
• Opening hours - Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 23:00

The report notes that:

The premises will function as a brewery bar and bottle shop which serves food. It is a ground floor venue with customer seating making over 50% of the customer space. There will be a small takeaway counter for off-sales.

Representations

Fifteen representations from members of the public were received in respect of this application. Some of these representations are from people who live in the same building as the premises. Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service, Trading Standards, and Southwark Council's Licensing Authority. The representations related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The concerns related to the potential for noise and disruption, particularly late at night, and the existing issues with the so-called Bermondsey Beer Mile. Concerns were also raised about the proximity of a children's playground to the bar. The representation from Trading Standards recommended that four conditions be added to the licence to promote the protection of children from harm. The Metropolitan Police objected to the granting of the application on the grounds that the operating schedule did not contain adequate control measures. Southwark Council's Licensing Authority objected to the granting of the application on the grounds that:

the measures offered within the operating schedule do not sufficiently address the licensing objectives

and recommended that 34 conditions be added to the licence in order to address these concerns. The Licensing Authority also recommend that the hours for on-sales of alcohol be reduced to allow for a 30 minute drinking-up time in line with Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026.

Conciliation

The report notes that following conciliation with the applicant, the Metropolitan Police Service, Trading Standards and Southwark Council's Licensing Authority withdrew their representations. The report pack includes copies of the withdrawal statements and details of the conditions offered by the applicant during conciliation. However, no such agreement was reached with the other persons who made representations.

Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026

The report notes that:

The premises does not fall within a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA)

and that:

The premises are situated in a residential area.

and that:

Under the Southwark’s statement of licensing policy 2021 - 2026 the following closing times are recommended as appropriate within a residential area:

• Restaurants and cafes:
  • Monday to Sunday: 23:00
• Public houses, wine bars, or other drinking establishments and bars in other types of premises:
  • Monday to Sunday: 23:00