This week in Southwark:

Licensing Decisions: Walworth Living Room and Black Bear Burger Applications Under Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to consider applications for premises licences for two local venues: Walworth Living Room and Black Bear Burger. These decisions have the potential to impact the local amenity and the character of the neighbourhoods where they are located.

Walworth Living Room: Community Hub or Noise Nuisance?

The sub-committee reviewed an application for a premises licence for Walworth Living Room, situated at All Saints Hall, Surrey Square, London SE17 2JU. The application, submitted by Pembroke College Settlement, a charity, sought permission for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment.

The proposed hours for alcohol sales were from 11:30 to 21:00 on Sundays to Wednesdays, and 11:30 to 22:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays. The premises were intended to open from 09:00 to 22:00 on Sundays to Wednesdays, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Thursdays to Saturdays. Alcohol sales and consumption were to be confined to the Main Hall, Small Hall, and a gated courtyard.

Concerns were raised by the Environmental Protection Team regarding potential noise nuisance, particularly from the use of the external courtyard. Two local residents also submitted representations, citing worries about the premises' proximity to homes, potential for disturbance, and the need for alcohol sales. While the Metropolitan Police Service and the Licensing Authority initially made representations, these were withdrawn after the agreement of a set of conditions. The sub-committee considered these representations in light of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031 and the Section 182 Guidance. The premises is located outside of a Cumulative Impact Area[^1].

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Black Bear Burger: Late-Night Bites and Potential for Nuisance

The sub-committee also considered a new premises licence application for Black Bear Burger, located at 190 Redcross Way, London SE1 9AB. The applicant, Black Bear Burger Ltd, described the venue as a Premium burger restaurant within railway arch near Borough Market/London Bridge.

The proposed hours for late-night refreshment were from 23:00 to 23:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, and 23:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Alcohol sales, for both on and off-premises consumption, were sought from 10:00 to 23:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, and 10:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises' opening hours were proposed as 10:00 to 00:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 to 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

While the Licensing Authority and Police withdrew their initial representations after agreed conditions, one representation from a ward councillor remained outstanding. This representation expressed concerns about the negative impact on the promotion of licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety within the Borough and Bankside Cumulative Impact Area[^2]. The premises is located within this designated area, where a special policy is in place to manage the density of licensed premises. The proposed hours were noted as not exceeding those recommended within the council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

This week in Southwark:

Peckham Development Appeal: Council's Decision on Rye Lane Flats Goes to Secretary of State

The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) met on Monday 10 August 2026 to discuss a significant development appeal concerning a mixed-use project at 269-275 Rye Lane and 1A Philip Walk, London SE15. The appeal was for non-determination, meaning the council had not made a decision within the statutory timeframe, and the matter has now been passed to the Secretary of State for determination.

The proposed development involved demolishing an existing building to construct 38 new residential flats and approximately 152 square metres of commercial space. Had the council been able to determine the application, the officer recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a legal agreement. However, the process was delayed by extensive negotiations over affordable housing contributions, design revisions, and the submission of further documentation.

A key issue was the lack of affordable housing in the proposal. The applicant demonstrated viability constraints, leading to a conclusion that a £Nil affordable housing contribution was the maximum viable provision. This decision, if it had been made by the council, would have meant no new affordable homes or financial contributions towards them from this development, a point of concern for many residents seeking more accessible housing options. The council's current inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply meant that new developments were generally favoured, but the absence of affordable housing remains a significant challenge for the borough.

The report also highlighted that while the development exceeded requirements for wheelchair-accessible dwellings, some of these units fell below minimum floorspace standards and lacked a second lift. These details are crucial for ensuring that new housing meets the needs of all residents, particularly those with disabilities.

The development was planned to achieve a high Urban Greening Factor and a significant Biodiversity Net Gain, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability. It also proposed a car-free approach for residents, with ample cycle parking and a contribution towards local cycle improvements.

The appeal process means that the final decision on this development will be made by the Secretary of State, rather than Southwark Council. This highlights how planning decisions can be escalated and decided at a national level, impacting local communities.

You can find more details about the Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 20 August 2026: This sub-committee will consider two premises licence applications: one for Walworth Living Room at All Saints Hall, Surrey Square, and another for Black Bear Burger at 190 Redcross Way. Meeting details

This week in Southwark:

Pub Licence Under Threat: Serious Crime Allegations Lead to Review of Ship Aground

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 4 August 2026 to consider a critical review of the premises licence for the Ship Aground Public House at 33 Wolseley Street, London SE1 2BP. The review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police Service following an incident on 8 July 2026, where officers executing a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 reportedly found suspected Class A drugs and a firearm on the premises.

The police's request for an interim suspension of the licence highlights the gravity of the situation, aiming to prevent further incidents of serious crime and disorder. The council's Licensing Unit has recommended the revocation of the licence, while the freeholder, Ei Group Ltd, has begun lease termination proceedings. This case underscores the council's commitment to upholding licensing objectives and ensuring public safety, particularly in light of concerns about illegal activities potentially linked to licensed premises. The potential outcomes range from modifying licence conditions to outright revocation, with significant implications for the venue and the local community.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Late-Night Entertainment and Alcohol Sales: Tito's Latin Club Faces Scrutiny

On Thursday 6 August 2026, the Licensing Sub-Committee also considered an application to vary the premises licence for Tito's Latin Club, located at 4 - 6 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG. The application sought to extend operating hours for entertainment, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales until 4:30 AM from Wednesday to Saturday, with premises open until 5:00 AM.

This proposal faced strong objections from both the Metropolitan Police Service and the Licensing Authority. They argued that the extended hours would exacerbate existing issues of late-night alcohol-led crime and disorder in the Borough and Bankside Cumulative Impact Area[^2], placing further strain on emergency services and undermining the council's cumulative impact policy. The police cited a history of incidents associated with the venue and its vicinity. The sub-committee had to weigh these concerns against the applicant's claims of responsible operation and the potential economic benefits of extended hours. The decision will impact the late-night economy and the quality of life for residents in a busy part of the borough.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Dorothy's at the St George's Tavern: Balancing Community Needs with Licensing Objectives

Also discussed by the Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday 6 August 2026 was a new premises licence application for Dorothy's at the St George's Tavern, located at 14 Coleman Road, London SE5 7TG. While initial concerns from the Metropolitan Police and Trading Standards were resolved through agreed conditions, the application highlighted the delicate balance required to ensure new venues contribute positively to the community.

The applicant agreed to a raft of conditions, including measures for CCTV, staff training, and noise management, after representations from the Licensing Authority. These conditions, particularly those related to noise and litter, are crucial for protecting the amenity of residents living near licensed premises. The process demonstrates how applicants and responsible authorities work together to find solutions that uphold licensing objectives while allowing businesses to operate.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

This week in Southwark:

Local Businesses Face Scrutiny as Licensing Sub-Committee Considers New and Varied Premises Licences

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 30 July 2026 to consider applications for two local venues, Lulu's and The Empire Lounge, with potential impacts on noise, public nuisance, and the character of their neighbourhoods.

Lulu's: From Deli to Restaurant, Concerns Over Noise and Rubbish

The sub-committee reviewed an application from Lulu's London Limited for a premises licence at 1b Calton Avenue, London SE21 7DE. The proposed operation is a dual-purpose venue: a retail deli by day and a restaurant by night, with associated alcohol sales for both on and off-site consumption.

While initial concerns from responsible authorities like Trading Standards and the Police were resolved through agreed conditions, three local residents lodged objections. Their worries centre on the potential for increased noise and disturbance, issues with rubbish disposal, and the fear that the venue could negatively impact the local area. These concerns directly relate to the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm, as outlined in the Licensing Act 2003. The sub-committee had to weigh these resident concerns against the applicant's proposals, guided by Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

The Empire Lounge: Extended Hours Spark Resident Worries Over Noise and Disorder

An application to extend the operating hours of The Empire Lounge, located at Units 1 and 2, 777 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1NZ, also came before the sub-committee. The venue, described as a Licensed Bar & Restaurant, sought to operate much later into the night, with music and alcohol sales extending to 4:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

This application faced objections from both the Metropolitan Police Service and the council's licensing authority, who noted that the requested hours exceeded the policy recommendations for premises in a residential area. Crucially, three local residents also raised concerns, citing existing issues with noise, crime, and anti-social behaviour that they fear would be amplified by the extended hours. The report highlighted a history of licensing breaches and complaints associated with the venue, making this decision particularly sensitive for the local community. The sub-committee's decision will impact the late-night environment and the quality of life for residents living nearby.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.