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Southwark debates Sainsbury's alcohol licence & late-night venues

This week in Southwark:

Sainsbury's Alcohol Licence Sparks Debate Over Community Impact

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened this week to consider an application from Sainsbury's for a new premises licence at their 1 Walworth Road location. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The application, seeking permission to sell alcohol from 7 AM to 11 PM daily, has drawn mixed reactions, highlighting the tension between business interests and community concerns.

Resident Fears: Anti-Social Behaviour and Impact on Local Businesses

While the Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns, they later withdrew their objection after Sainsbury's agreed to additional conditions. However, representations from other persons focused on potential issues around public nuisance and safety. It was stated that alcohol sales from early morning until late evening could increase antisocial behaviour, noise, and litter in the area, and that alcohol availability can correlate with street drinking and related risk and disturbances.

One representation stated that the site is currently a cafe and community space, and that replacing it with a supermarket selling alcohol would have a negative impact on the area.

Another representation stated that the area is already very well served by supermarkets and convenience stores selling alcohol, and that adding another licensed Sainsbury's so close to existing sites creates unnecessary duplication. They also raised concerns about the impact on local independent businesses.

A further representation raised concerns that low-cost alcohol late into the evening will encourage street drinking, noise and anti-social behaviour.

Council Policy: Balancing Business with Community Wellbeing

The sub-committee was reminded of Southwark Council's statement of licensing policy 2021- 2026, which aims to balance the four licensing objectives1 with the needs of businesses and residents. The policy also considers issues such as location, high standards of management, and the principles behind condition setting.

The premises is located outside of a cumulative impact area2, where stricter licensing rules often apply. The recommended closing hours for off-licenses in that location is midnight.

Bussey Building and Dockley Road Kitchen Licensing Applications

The Licensing Sub-Committee also scheduled a meeting to discuss licensing applications for Bussey Building and Dockley Road Kitchen. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Bussey Building: Late-Night Entertainment vs. Resident Concerns

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application made by Copeland Park Partnership for a premises licence to be granted under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the premises known as the Bussey Building, 133, Block A, Bussey Building, Copeland Road, London SE15 3SN.

The application was for a new premises licence, and was submitted with a representation from the council's environmental protection team (EPT) and one other person.

The EPT did not object to the application in principle, subject to the proposed conditions being formally incorporated into the operating schedule, should the licence be granted. However, the EPT noted that the proposed trading hours for Fridays and Saturdays extend beyond the recommended terminal hours as set out in Southwark Council's statement of licensing policy (2021–2026). The EPT also advised that the applicant consult with the planning team to ensure the discharge of the planning conditions to remain compliant with the consent.

The representation from the other person raised concerns with:

  • The removal of soundproofing from the premises
  • The removal of the toilets
  • Issues with the potential obstruction of fire exits because use of the front courtyard is no longer for the premises exclusive use
  • Issues of dispersal via the 133 Rye Lane main entrance corridor.

The premises falls within the Peckham cumulative impact area (CIA). Under Southwark's statement of licensing policy 2021 2026 the following closing times are recommended as appropriate within Peckham major town centre:

  • Restaurants and cafes: Sunday to Thursday: 12am, Friday and Saturday: 1am
  • Public houses, wine bars or other drinking establishments: Sunday to Thursday: 11pm, Friday and Saturday: 12am
  • Night clubs (with 'sui generis' planning classification3): Monday to Thursday: 1am, Friday and Saturday: 3am, Sunday: 12am
  • Cinemas and theatres: Monday to Sunday: 2am.

Dockley Road Kitchen: Balancing Restaurant Ambitions with Residential Amenity

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application made Dockley Road Kitchen Limited for a premises licence to be granted under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the premises known as Dockley Road Kitchen – 1 Dockley Road, London SE16 3AF.

There were two representations from responsible authorities, namely the Metropolitan Police Service (Licensing Division) and trading standards. These representations have been conciliated with agreed conditions and withdrawn.

There was one representation from one other person, raising concerns with the hours of operation and the premises being within the vicinity of residential addresses, and also that the premises will be operated as a bar.

The premises is located outside of a cumulative impact area. The recommended closing hours for restaurants under the statement of licensing policy for that location is 11pm, Monday to Sunday.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The four licensing objectives are: the prevention of crime and disorder; the promotion of public safety; the prevention of nuisance; the protection of children from harm. ↩

  2. A cumulative impact area is an area where the concentration of licensed premises is such that it is believed that the licensing objectives are being undermined. ↩

  3. Sui generis is a Latin term, meaning 'of its own kind'. In planning terms, it refers to a use that does not fall within any particular use class. ↩

Southwark: Peckham Licence Review, Pension Investments & More

This week in Southwark:

Licensing Sub-Committee to Review Peckham Food and Wine Licence Amidst Scrutiny

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet this week to review the premises licence for Peckham Food and Wine, located at 176 Peckham High Street. You can read the full details of the meeting here. This follows a previous meeting cancellation regarding licensing issues on the Old Kent Road, indicating ongoing scrutiny of licensed premises in the borough. The sub-committee will also consider an application to transfer the premises licence for the same location. The report pack includes a substantial amount of documentation, suggesting the review is a significant matter.

The Grand Lounge's New Licence Application

The sub-committee will also review a new premises licence application for The Grand Lounge, situated on the first floor of 777 Old Kent Road. This application comes after a previous meeting regarding the premises was cancelled due to concerns from the Metropolitan Police Service and Southwark Council's environmental protection team.

Pensions Advisory Panel Discusses Investment Strategy and Carbon Footprint

The Southwark Council Pensions Advisory Panel met this week to discuss the management and performance of the council's pension fund. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The panel discussed updates on investment performance, responsible investment, and the fund's carbon footprint.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Asset Allocation Update: The panel received an update on asset allocation, an investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by dividing a portfolio's assets among different categories.
  • Quarterly Investment Update: David Cullinan from Aon presented the quarterly investment update to the panel.
  • Carbon Footprint Update: The panel discussed an update on the carbon footprint of the pension fund, likely related to the council's commitment to responsible investment and its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its investments.
  • Responsible Investment General Update: The panel received a general update on responsible investment, covering topics such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions.
  • Refresh of Pension Fund Cash Management Policy: The panel discussed a refresh of the pension fund's cash management policy, which outlines how the fund manages its cash reserves to ensure liquidity and maximize returns while minimizing risk.

Other Matters

  • The Pensions Advisory Panel also discussed voting and engagement activity, the Stewardship Code1, a Local Pension Board Update, and a Pensions Services Update.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The UK Stewardship Code sets standards for institutional investors on how they should engage with the companies they invest in to protect and enhance the value of their investments for the benefit of their clients and beneficiaries. ↩

Southwark: £2.5M for Women's Safety, Emission Concerns Raised

This week in Southwark:

Women's Safety Centre Receives £2.5 Million Boost Amidst Community Safety Concerns

Southwark Council's Cabinet met this week and agreed to allocate £2.5 million from the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to fit out the Women's Safety Centre. You can read the full details of the meeting here. This investment comes as the council grapples with rising concerns about community safety, particularly for women, children, and young people.

A Safe Haven for Vulnerable Women

The Women's Safety Centre aims to provide a single location where women experiencing violence or abuse can access comprehensive support. Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, stated that she was delighted to be able to make another significant strategic capital investment using funds from Southwark's 'Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy' (SCIL), which is a tax on major development in the borough.

The council's Delivery Plan 2022–26 includes a commitment to establish a pioneering Women's Safety Centre.

Community Safety Review: A Fragmented and Reactive System

The Cabinet also discussed the outcome of a community safety review, revealing a fragmented and reactive approach to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour. Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, stated that everyone has the right to feel safe on their street, in their home, and in their neighbourhood.

The review, conducted by PA Consulting, highlighted that only 49% of residents feel safe after dark in Southwark. The review recommended a clear, place-based model of delivery, built around:

  • Focused action in hotspot areas
  • Integrated enforcement, delivered through multi-skilled teams
  • Stronger use of shared data and analysis
  • Wrap around support, including early help, youth services, housing and community engagement.

The report pack noted that Southwark Council is the largest social housing landlord in London, managing over 55,000 council homes across the borough, and that this presents unique challenges in tackling crime and ASB on estates compared to neighbouring boroughs.

Resident Experience Plan: Putting People First

The Cabinet approved the Resident Experience Plan 2025-2030, aiming to improve how residents interact with council services. Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, stated that the plan sets out what the council will do to improve the experience of residents or businesses who contact the Council to request any service, by any channel.

The plan prioritizes a more joined-up approach, better digital offerings, and more empathetic staff. It also introduces a new Resident Promise, outlining the standards residents can expect when engaging with council services.

Climate Action: Strategy Update and Emission Concerns

The Cabinet considered updates to the council's climate change strategy and action plan. Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, noted that the council had secured £12 million in central government funding for retrofit projects and expanded the Library of Things initiative to new leisure centres.

However, the report pack also noted that for the first time in five years, the borough's overall emissions have increased slightly, driven primarily by higher emissions from the use of road transport petroleum (+8%) and higher commercial/industrial electricity use (+8%).

The council has committed to doing all it can to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030 following a climate declaration in 2019.

Other Matters

  • The Cabinet reviewed the council's capital and revenue spending, noting a significant borrowing requirement of £321m for the general fund programme and an overspend position of £24.2m.
  • The Cabinet approved changes to the Home Purchase Grant, Cash Incentive Policy, including the purchase of one-bedroom properties in the scheme.
  • The Cabinet considered responses to scrutiny commission reports on Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP), Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provisions and Inclusions in Schools, the Draft Resident Engagement Strategy, the Draft Town Centre Action Plan, Youth Employment support and East Street Traders, and Nursing Care Home Delivery.
  • The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy for the provision of Learning Disability Supported Living Services.

Health and Wellbeing Board to Discuss Pharmaceutical Needs and Prevention

The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss a range of topics, including the South East London Integrated Care System Prevention Framework, progress updates on the 'Support to stay well' theme of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Southwark Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-28. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment: Gaps in Service

The board is expected to approve Southwark's Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028 (PNA). The PNA states that there is adequate provision of services to meet pharmaceutical needs in the borough, except for:

Licensing Sub-Committee to Consider Walworth Road Hamburger Restaurant and Dulwich Park Drone Show

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on 18 September 2025 to consider a time-limited premises licence for The DroneArt Show in Dulwich Park and a new premises licence for Smacks Hamburgers on Walworth Road. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Smacks Hamburgers: Resident Concerns

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application made by Bino Hospitality Ltd for a premises licence to be granted under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the premises known as Smacks Hamburgers, 347 Walworth Road.

The report pack noted that 21 representations had been submitted by local residents objecting to the grant of the application, variously contending that the proposed operation of the premises would lead to noise nuisance, odour nuisance, crime, and anti-social behaviour.

The Metropolitan Police Service had also submitted a representation, but withdrew it after the applicant agreed to conditions proposed by the police.

Upcoming Meetings

Southwark: Bussey Building licence bid cancelled, planning updates

This week in Southwark:

Bussey Building Licence Application Cancelled Amidst Noise and Safety Concerns

A meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee scheduled for September 9th to discuss a new premises licence application for the Bussey Building was cancelled. You can find the details of what was scheduled to be discussed here. The application, submitted by Copeland Park Partnership, sought permission to host various events and sell alcohol until as late as 6 AM on weekends. This cancellation comes after objections from both the council's environmental protection team and local residents, raising concerns about noise, safety, and compliance with licensing policies.

Noise and Nuisance Fears

The environmental protection team highlighted that the proposed Friday and Saturday trading hours exceeded the recommended terminal hours outlined in Southwark Council's statement of licensing policy (2021–2026). A representation from another person raised concerns about the removal of soundproofing, potential obstruction of fire exits, and dispersal issues.

Cumulative Impact Area

The Bussey Building falls within the Peckham cumulative impact area (CIA). Southwark's statement of licensing policy 2021-2026 recommends specific closing times for different types of establishments within Peckham major town centre.

Planning Committee Meetings Address Development Applications

This week, the Planning Committee (Major Applications) B and the Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) met to discuss development management and planning applications. You can find the details of the Planning Committee (Major Applications) B meeting here and the Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) meeting here. No transcripts were provided for either meeting.

Dulwich Sports Club Floodlighting

The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) was scheduled to consider an application for the Dulwich Sports Club involving the retention and replacement of flood lighting on tennis courts. Objections had been received raising concerns about amenity, noise nuisance, and the hours of use of the floodlighting.

10 Love Walk Care Home

The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) was also scheduled to consider an application for 10 Love Walk, for the demolition of all buildings on the site and comprehensive redevelopment to provide a new care home. Objections had been received raising concerns about the principle of development, the quality of accommodation, design quality, the impact on the conservation area, the impact on residential amenity, traffic and transport, landscaping and loss of trees, and a lack of consultation.

Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Meeting Held

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee met this week. You can find the details of the meeting here. No transcript was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Southwark late-night levy: Policing boost or business burden?

This week in Southwark:

Licensing Policy Under Review: Late-Night Levy Expansion Proposed

The Licensing Committee met this week to discuss proposed changes to the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031. You can read the full details of the meeting here. A key proposal is the extension of the Late Night Levy to include premises offering late-night refreshment between midnight and 6 AM. This could significantly impact businesses and residents, potentially increasing costs for some and generating revenue for policing the night-time economy.

What's Changing?

The proposed policy revisions aim to:

  • Clarify and simplify the existing licensing policy.
  • Update the structure to better reflect the roles of the Licensing Authority and Licensing Committee.
  • Revise content on crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance.
  • Incorporate the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn's Law).
  • Extend the Late Night Levy to include late-night refreshment premises.

Late Night Levy Expansion: A Boost for Policing or a Burden on Business?

The proposed extension of the Late Night Levy is particularly noteworthy. Currently, Southwark has 114 late-night refreshment premises operating between midnight and 5 AM within its Cumulative Impact Areas1. The council estimates this could generate approximately £127,139 in revenue, which would be used to fund additional policing of the night-time economy.

However, the report pack also notes that existing licensees who want to avoid paying the levy could submit a minor variation application to reduce their licensable hours. This could lead to businesses closing earlier, potentially impacting the night-time economy and the availability of late-night services.

Public Consultation: Have Your Say

The committee was asked to approve arrangements for a public consultation on the draft revisions. The consultation will ask residents whether the amendments to the policy are clear, easily understood, balanced, fair, and reasonable.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of licensing in Southwark. Make sure to participate in the consultation when it opens to voice your concerns and opinions.

Other Matters

  • The Licensing Committee was also scheduled to receive an update on recent appeals and prosecutions related to licensing matters. No further information about this update was available.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Cumulative Impact Areas are designated zones where the concentration of licensed premises is believed to be causing problems such as crime, disorder, public nuisance, or harm to public safety. ↩

Recent meetings
Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission

Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission - Monday 6 October 2025 7.00 pm

The Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission met on 6 October 2025 to discuss the commercial property portfolio, youth services, and prior scrutiny reviews, as well as to consider their work programme for the coming year. The meeting was scheduled to include reports from Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, Mark Grant, Assistant Director of Property, Toni Ainge, Director of Leisure, and Eva Gomez, Head of Culture.

October 06, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 2 October 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council scheduled a meeting to discuss licensing applications for Bussey Building and Dockley Road Kitchen. The meeting, which was to be held online, also included an election of a chair.

October 02, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 30 September 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a premises licence application. The agenda included an application from Sainsbury's for a new premises licence, as well as standard business such as the election of a chair.

September 30, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 25 September 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 25 September 2025 to address several licensing matters. Key items on the agenda include a premises licence review and a transfer application for Peckham Food and Wine, and a new premises licence application for The Grand Lounge. These applications are to be considered under the Licensing Act 2003[^2].

September 25, 2025
Pensions Advisory Panel

Pensions Advisory Panel - Tuesday 23 September 2025 11.30 am

The Southwark Council Pensions Advisory Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 23 September 2025 to discuss a range of topics related to the management and performance of the council's pension fund. These include updates on investment performance, responsible investment, and the fund's carbon footprint, as well as more general updates on pensions services and cash management policy. Some of these items will be discussed in closed session, excluding the press and public.

September 23, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 18 September 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on 18 September 2025 to consider a time-limited premises licence for The DroneArt Show in Dulwich Park and a new premises licence for Smacks Hamburgers on Walworth Road. The sub-committee was also scheduled to deal with any other urgent business.

September 18, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday 18 September 2025 10.00 am

The Southwark Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) Prevention Framework, updates to the 'Support to stay well' theme of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and to approve the Southwark Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-28.

September 18, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday 16 September 2025 11.00 am

The Southwark Council cabinet met on 16 September 2025, and approved updates to the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, a new service model for community safety, and changes to the Home Purchase Grant scheme. They also discussed strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, capital and revenue monitoring reports, and responses to scrutiny commission recommendations.

September 16, 2025
Committee

Labour Group

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 15, 2025
Planning Committee (Major Applications) B

Planning Committee (Major Applications) B - Wednesday 10 September 2025 6.30 pm

The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B of Southwark Council met on 10 September 2025 to discuss a number of planning and development issues. The agenda included the adoption of a Climate and Environment Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), several requests to release funds from Section 106 agreements[^2], and two development management cases.

September 10, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 8 October 2025 6.30 pm

October 08, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday 14 October 2025 2.00 pm

October 14, 2025
Housing Scrutiny Commission

Housing Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 14 October 2025 7.00 pm

October 14, 2025
Planning Committee (Major Applications) A

Planning Committee (Major Applications) A - Tuesday 14 October 2025 6.30 pm

October 14, 2025
Planning Committee (Smaller Applications)

Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) - Wednesday 15 October 2025 7.00 pm

October 15, 2025
Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission

Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 15 October 2025 7.00 pm

October 15, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 16 October 2025 10.00 am

October 16, 2025
Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission

Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission - Thursday 16 October 2025 7.00 pm

October 16, 2025
Corporate Parenting Committee

Corporate Parenting Committee - Wednesday 22 October 2025 2.00 pm

October 22, 2025