Decision Maker: Licensing Sub Committee A

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 23, 2025

Purpose:

Content:  1. Empire Lounge Services Ltd (“the Applicant”) applied for a new Premises Licence on 25th August 2025 for Grand Empire, 108–110 Rushey Green SE6 4HW (“the Premises”). 2. The application was made and advertised correctly in the newspaper however the public notices required amending at the beginning of the process. The last date for representations was extended to ensure the application was advertised in accordance with Regulation 25 of the Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and club premises certificates) Regulations 2005. The last date for representations was 30th September 2025. 3. The particulars proposed for the premise licence were: Particulars of Application Live & Recorded Music 12:00 – 01:30 Monday to Wednesday 12:00 – 02:30 Sunday & Thursday 01:00 – 03:30 Friday & Saturday The applicant wishes to have the facility for the provision of live & recorded music whether as the principal entertainment provided or in conjunction with dancing or any other permitted activity. Late night refreshment 23:00 – 01:30 Monday to Wednesday 23:00 – 02:30 Sunday & Thursday 23:00 – 03:30 Friday & Saturday Alcohol for consumption on & off the premises 10.00 – 01:30 Monday to Wednesday 10.00 – 02:30 Sunday & Thursday 10:00 – 03:30 Friday & Saturday Seasonal Variations New Years Eve from the end of permitted hours New Years Eve to the start of permitted hours on the following day. An additional hour on the Sunday of a bank holiday weekend. Currently Licensed: The existing premises licence PL1480 will be surrendered it this application is granted. 4. Written representations were received within the specified time from both the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police. A representation was received from a local Councillor on the grounds that the application does not promote the licensing objectives. The representation was received within the specified time, was examined by Officers and was not considered to be vexatious or frivolous. No other Responsible Authority made any representations. 5. The Applicant offered conditions consistent with the operating schedule as part of the application, appearing in the application form as Annex 2 on pages 43 to 45 of the Agenda and reports pack. The Applicant’s solicitor, David Dadds, offered further conditions on 22nd October 2025, which were circulated before the meeting. . 6. The Licensing Sub-Committee A held a meeting on the 23rd of October 2025 to consider the Application. Safer Communities Licensing Officer, Angela Mullin-Murrell, introduced the report. David Dadds representing the applicant company, then addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the premises licence application. He was allowed a fixed period of time and answered Members’ questions. PC Gillian Pearce addressed the Sub-Committee and answered Members' questions, on behalf of the Metropolitan Police. Kennedy Obazee, Safer Communities Licensing Officer, addressed the Sub-Committee and answered Members' questions, on behalf of the Licensing Authority. The local Councillor, who submitted written representations objecting to the grant of the licence, attended and was invited to speak at the meeting. He was allowed an equal amount of time and answered the questions put to him by Members. At the parties present were given an opportunity at the end to briefly sum up their position, Mr Dadds for the Applicant being the last to speak.. 7. In making its decision the Sub-Committee has considered all the papers contained in the report pack and submitted documents, including written submissions, together with the Applicant’s oral submissions, those made on behalf of the Licensing Authority and the Police and from the Councillor objector at the hearing. The Sub-Committee also considered the Council’s own Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-25 and the latest Home Office Statutory Guidance, revised in December 2023. 8. The decision of the Sub-Committee is to refuse to grant the premises licence for the activities applied for. 9. The Sub-Committee’s reasons for taking this decision are: a. The operating hours proposed in the application for licensed activity , rising to 3.30am on a Friday and Saturday, were much higher than the preferred hours set out in the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy for a town centre location and were not appropriate in the circumstances. b. The proposed uses of the first and second floors of the large multi-functional premises remain unclear and plans submitted have not been updated to reflect the current or any future layout of the premises. It is therefore not possible to determine what specific further conditions, above those offered, would be necessary to promote the licensing objectives and particularly concerning public nuisance. c. The Sub-Committee noted that the premises remained licenced under the existing instrument PL1480 and could continue to operate under its terms. 11. There is a right of appeal against this decision. Any appeal should be made to the Magistrates’ court within 21 days beginning with the day on which the Appellant was notified of the decision. Any person who has given notice of appeal on a licensing decision to the Magistrates Court, or is considering doing so, should not approach council officers for legal advice. A person making an appeal should seek independent legal advice, for instance, from a firm of solicitors or the local Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to assist. 23rd October 2025