The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on 18 December 2025 to consider a premises licence application for Kent Restaurant and Lounge and a review of the premises licence for Canterbury Arms. The meeting will also cover standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, confirmation of voting members and disclosure of interests.

Canterbury Arms Review

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider an application for the review of the premises licence for the Canterbury Arms, following an application made by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). The grounds for the review relate to a serious incident that took place at the premises on 20 November 2025, where a member of the public was fatally injured after a violent altercation.

According to the Report Licensing Act 2003 Canterbury Arms 2-4 Maddock Way London SE17 3NH - Review, the MPS stated in its review application that:

On 20 November the Police were called to an incident of a cardiac arrest outside of the premises, with LAS performing CPR on scene. The victim was ejected from the pub from the side entrance by one of the bar staff. The victim then argues with the suspect, before struggling with the suspect and is pushed to the ground, and the suspect then proceeds to punch victim to the head. The bar staff who initially appeared to eject the victim and suspect out from the premises then goes out and helps the victim to his feet and then leads the victim and suspect back inside the premises via the same side door. A few minutes later, after the victim is brought into the premises, he is then ejected from the premises for a second time, this this through the front entrance of the premises, whereby the victim falls to the ground. Several people exit the venue to assist and a chair is brought for the victim, but he immediately falls to the ground and CPR is started on the victim at this stage.

The MPS also stated that attempts to collect CCTV footage were hindered and that the CCTV system had been partially dismantled, offering no evidential value. The police also allege that a member of staff indicated that the person in charge was avoiding the authorities due to being in arrears at the premises. The MPS representation states that to date no contact with the PLH or DPS has been established and it is the belief of the MPS that there is no managerial structure in place during a situation of serious crime and disorder .

The current premises licence, a copy of which is included in Appendix A Licence, permits the Canterbury Arms to host live and recorded music, and performances of dance. It is also licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises.

The report notes that the premises licence was surrendered on 26 November 2025 by the designated premises supervisor (DPS), Marie Ann Harrison. However, it also notes that it is possible for a transfer application to be applied requesting a reinstatement of the premises licence following surrender.

The sub-committee previously held an expedited review hearing on 27 November 2025 and decided to suspend the premises licence until the full review hearing. A copy of the Interim Steps Notice of Decision from that hearing is included in the report pack.

Members of the sub-committee are reminded that the Canterbury Arms is located in a residential area, and that the council's statement of licensing policy recommends a closing time of 23:00 for public houses in such areas.

The sub-committee may consider a number of options including modifying the conditions of the licence, excluding a licensable activity from the scope of the licence, removing the designated premises supervisor or suspending the premises licence.

Kent Restaurant and Lounge Application

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider an application from Kent Restaurant and Lounge Limited for a premises licence to be granted under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the premises known as Kent Restaurant and Lounge, First Floor, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA.

The report notes that the application is subject to representations from the Metropolitan Police Service, the council's environmental protection team and licensing as a responsible authority. There have also been representations from 15 other persons.

The application is for:

• The sale by retail of alcohol (both on and off sales):
  • Monday to Wednesday from 11:00 to 01:30
  • Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 to 03:00
  • Sunday from 12:00 to 01:30
• The provision of late night refreshment (both indoors and outdoors):
  • Monday to Wednesday from 23:00 to 02:00
  • Thursday to Saturday from 23:00 to 03:30
  • Sunday from 23:00 to 02:00
• The provision of regulated entertainment in the form of plays, films, indoor sporting events, live music, recorded music and performances of dance (indoors):
  • Monday to Wednesday from 07:00 to 02:00
  • Thursday to Saturday from 07:00 to 03:30
  • Sunday from 07:00 to 02:00
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Wednesday from 07:00 to 02:00
  • Thursday to Saturday from 07:00 to 03:30
  • Sunday from 07:00 to 02:00

The report summarises the application as describing the premises as a wine bar and restaurant with a courtyard leading to the entrance. The premises has an outside eating area, a smoking balcony and a lounge area that can be used for private hire.

The proposed designated premises supervisor (DPS) is Gilbert Lue-Kong.

The Metropolitan Police Service representation, included in Appendix B Representations from responsible authorities, states that the hours applied for are vastly excessive and that the plans do not truly reflect the layout of the premises. The police also raise concerns about the history of the premises and the potential involvement of previous management.

The council's environmental protection team (EPT) also objects to the applied hours, stating that they are excessive and could create a potential risk of public nuisance. The EPT has made a list of recommendations with conditions, should the licensing sub-committee be minded to grant all, or part of the application.

Licensing as a responsible authority also objects to the hours, stating that they are excessive and that the area is changing, with an increased number of residential dwellings either in the process of being built, or planned in the near future.

The representations from other persons, included in Appendix C Representations from other persons, raise concerns over previous poor management practices and the potential for this to be repeated. It is stated that the premises' location in relation to residential properties means that there could be risks to residents under all four of the licensing objectives and that the venue is not suitable for a nightclub. One representation mentions that Pets at Home employees have reported feeling unsafe with the venue operating and its patrons loitering in the early hours.

The report details the premises history, noting that it was previously operated as a licensed premises called K-Che, which was subject to two expedited reviews because of serious crime and disorder. The incident which prompted the second review was so serious that it led to the revocation of the premises licence. The report also notes a number of temporary event notices (TENs) that have been applied for at the premises, as well as a list of recent complaints, including one from the Metropolitan Police regarding unlicensed activity. Details of the unlicensed music event are available in Appendix E Details of unlicensed music event.

The report also notes that the premises is located outside of a Cumulative Impact Area¹, but within a residential area. The recommended closing time for public houses and restaurants in that location is 23:00 daily.

The sub-committee must consider the application on its own merits, taking into account the licensing objectives, the council's statement of licensing policy, and any relevant representations.