The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to address licensing matters within the borough. The primary focus of the meeting will be a review of an application to vary a premises licence. Councillors will also elect a chair for the meeting and confirm voting members.

Licensing Act 2003: B Square Deli, 1 Bermondsey Square

The sub-committee is scheduled to review an application from S Lyons Limited to vary the premises licence for B Square Deli, located at 1 Bermondsey Square. The application seeks to extend the hours during which the deli can sell alcohol and provide regulated entertainment in the form of recorded music. Currently, the deli is licensed to operate until 22:30 from Monday to Saturday and until 21:30 on Sundays. The applicant is requesting permission to operate until 23:30 from Sunday to Wednesday, until 00:30 on Thursdays and Fridays, and until 01:00 on Saturdays.

According to the Public Reports Pack, the applicant describes the intended operation of the premises as simply:

Extended opening and licensable hours.

A local resident has submitted a representation expressing concerns that the extended hours could negatively impact the community due to increased antisocial behaviour and public nuisance. The resident stated that they were familiar with S Lyons Ltd and its presence in the local area, and that they were an occasional patron of some of its other businesses and have always found them to be well run and thoughtful, positive additions to the neighbourhood. However, their concern remains rooted in the very specific context of this location, as the Vine Bar sits above ground, central to a residential area in Bermondsey Square.

The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns about the application, but withdrew their representation after agreeing to a number of additional conditions with the applicant. These conditions include measures such as the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, the implementation of a dispersal policy, and the use of biodegradable packaging for takeaway food. The police also requested that signage be displayed requesting that alcohol sold as off sales should not be opened and consumed in the vicinity of the premises.

The report pack notes that the premises lies outside of a cumulative impact area¹ and within a residential area. It also notes that the council's statement of licensing policy recommends closing hours of 23:00 daily for restaurants, and for public houses, wine bars or other drinking establishments.