The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to address an objection from the Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health Service regarding a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for regulated entertainment at the Bexleyheath Clock Tower, Market Place, Bexleyheath. The committee was tasked with determining whether to issue a counter notice, effectively preventing the event, or to allow it to proceed with or without additional conditions. Ultimately, the sub-committee chose not to issue a counter notice, thereby allowing the event to proceed without additional conditions.

Temporary Event Notice at Bexleyheath Clock Tower

The sub-committee considered a Temporary Event Notice submitted by Mr Kwame Arthur for Christ Church International to conduct evangelism, share tracts, sing, and speak to passers-by at the Bexleyheath Clock Tower on Saturday 5 July 2025. The Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health Service raised objections, leading to the hearing.

Objections

The Metropolitan Police raised concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety, stating that the TEN lacked details on how the organisers would manage and control a gathering of 150 people in a busy public space. They also noted the potential for obstruction or disturbance to businesses and pedestrians, and raised the possibility of a larger, uncontrolled gathering leading to antisocial behaviour. The police highlighted that the event was planned for an area managed by the Bexleyheath Business Improvement District, and that Ms Caron Linyard, on behalf of the Bexleyheath Business Improvement District, had not granted permission for the event. The police noted that Ms Caron Linyard had reported disturbances to organised events and complaints from shoppers about groups blocking the highway and causing antisocial behaviour.

Environmental Health objected on the grounds of potential public nuisance, citing concerns about noise control and the impact of amplified sound on the public and nearby residents. They also referenced previous complaints about noise from similar gatherings.

PC George Beakhust of the Broadway Town Centre Team, reported an increase in people expressing religious views in the area, leading to complaints of harassment from the public and obstruction of premises.

Committee Decision

Despite the objections, the sub-committee decided not to issue a counter notice, allowing the event to proceed without additional conditions.

Nocturnal Elfs Premises Licence Application (8 May 2025)

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened on 8 May 2025 to consider an application by Nocturnal Elfs Limited for a premises licence at the rear of 158C Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath.

Application Details

Nocturnal Elfs sought a license for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises and late-night refreshment. The business model was described as a delivery-only convenience store, operating from a dark kitchen ¹ with no public access.

Mr Ahdill Ali, Director of Nocturnal Elfs, explained that the company had agreed to additional steps with the Responsible Authorities to promote licensing objectives. He clarified that while the convenience store would operate 24 hours a day, alcohol and heated refreshments would only be available during specified licensing hours.

Concerns and Safeguards

Councillor Ward-Wilson raised concerns about the potential impact on neighbouring residents, particularly regarding noise. Mr Ali responded that he had conducted trials and found no noise issues. He also mentioned that the landlord of the unit was supportive of the 24-hour operation.

To address concerns about underage sales, Nocturnal Elfs committed to a Challenge 25 policy², with age verification built into their online app and drivers checking identification upon delivery. They also agreed to a minimum £10 spend for orders including alcohol.

Conditions and Decision

The sub-committee granted the application, imposing several conditions to promote the licensing objectives. These included:

• No public access to the premises.
• Alcohol and late-night refreshment for delivery only.
• Use of employed delivery staff and electric vehicles.
• Restrictions on delivery hours for alcohol and late-night refreshment.
• CCTV system with specific requirements.
• Staff training on licensing conditions and Challenge 25.
• Restrictions on signage and alcohol display.
• Age verification procedures and minimum order value for alcohol.
• Deliveries only to residential or business addresses, not public places.

Condition 31, regarding delivery hours, was amended to reflect that no orders for hot food, hot drink or alcohol would be approved if delivery could not be made within the approved hours.

The sub-committee was satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined, and that Mr Ali would operate the business considerately.

Other Business

The committee also addressed standard agenda items, including:

• Appointment of Councillor Mrs June Slaughter as Chairman of the Sub-Committee.
• Apologies for absence.
• Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2025, with minor amendments.
• Declarations of interests and dispensations: There were none.
• Items of late business: There were none.