The meeting included two licensing applications: an application for a new Premises Licence for the Deptford Storehouse, and an application for a new Premises Licence to operate an Adult Gaming Centre at 3 Catford Broadway.

Deptford Storehouse, New King Street, London SE8 3AA

A new Premises Licence was requested by Spaces & Stories Limited for the Deptford Storehouse at New King Street, off Grove Street, London SE8 3AA. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between 8 am and 10:30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and between 8 am and 9:30 pm on Sunday. It also requested permission for the performance of plays, exhibition of films, indoor sporting events, boxing or wrestling entertainment, live music, recorded music, performances of dance, and anything of a similar description every day between 8 am and 10:30 pm, with a slightly earlier finish of 9:30 pm on Sunday.

The report pack stated that nine representations were received from local residents objecting to the application, as well as objections from both the Police and Licensing Authority. The Licensing Authority subsequently withdrew its objection following an agreement on conditions with the applicant. Residents' objections raised concerns about noise pollution, antisocial behaviour, strain on public services, traffic and parking congestion, and a lack of community consultation.

PC Shaun Rodway, Licensing Officer for Lewisham, submitted an objection on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, stating that:

After considering the application, conditions offered by the applicant, taking into account the location of the proposed premises and its environs, the Metropolitan Police believe that the proposed premises will undermine not only the licensing objectives but also greatly affect the local residents.

Acting Sergeant Andrew Collins, Neighbourhood Sergeant for Evelyn Ward, also submitted a witness statement highlighting concerns about the venue's location, capacity, and potential impact on the local community.

The report pack stated that the applicant proposed amendments to their application on 30 January:

1. The capacity of an event shall not exceed 500 (excluding staff).
2. There shall be no music events.
3. There shall be no amplified music in the outside areas of the Premises

Two representations from local residents supporting the application were also received.

Reels Casino Slots, 3 Catford Broadway, Lewisham, SE6 4SP

Reels Casino Slots Ltd submitted an application for a new Premises Licence to operate an Adult Gaming Centre at 3 Catford Broadway, Lewisham, SE6 4SP.

One representation objecting to the application was received from Councillor Louise Krupski¹, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Lead for Environment and Climate Action. The objection cited concerns about the potential for the Adult Gaming Centre to exacerbate existing issues with antisocial behaviour, petty crime, begging, and drug use in the area. Cllr Krupski stated:

In this climate it would be irresponsible for the council to support a business which could possibly encourage more begging and petty crime in the area; some of our high needs residents may see gambling, even on a small scale, as an opportunity to solve their problems.

The report pack included a Redacted Local Area Risk Assessment prepared by the applicant, addressing concerns related to the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting children and vulnerable persons. The applicant stated that:

The Applicant is aware that the area in which the premises is located is an area in which Lewisham Council has produced a borough wide Public Space Protection Order given concerns around anti Social behaviour and has measures in place to deal with these issues.

The report pack stated that the Licensing Authority received representations with no objections to the application, following the applicant's acceptance and incorporation of measures to prevent the exacerbation of current problems with street drinking and ASB in their Local Area Risk Assessment plan, as requested by the Licensing Authority.

The report pack also included the Mandatory Conditions for Adult Gaming Centres.