The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 27 January 2016 to consider applications for the review of premises licences for three establishments on Isabella Street and Joan Street, and an application for a new premises licence. Decisions were made to modify the licences of EV Restaurant, Jack's Bar, and Thai Silk to address public nuisance concerns, and an application for Christ High Commission International Ministries was withdrawn.

EV Restaurant, 97-99 Isabella Street, London SE1 8DA

The sub-committee reviewed the premises licence for EV Restaurant following complaints from residents regarding noise levels, patrons congregating outside, and the premises' response to advice from the Environmental Protection Team (EPT). The decision was made to modify the licence to align operating hours with those granted under planning permission, and to add a comprehensive list of new conditions. These conditions include the installation of a sound limiting device, closure of doors and windows during regulated entertainment, restrictions on patron access to external areas, the employment of SIA officers to manage patron dispersal, and the installation of acoustic seals and lobbies. The licence will also require the premises to maintain a telephone number for local residents and to meet quarterly with residents to review operations. Several previous conditions were removed.

The reasons for the decision highlighted concerns from residents about constant noise, anti-social behaviour, and litter. The sub-committee noted the cumulative impact of the three licensed premises in the area and agreed that the operating hours should align with planning permissions to protect residents from noise.

Jack's Bar, Railway Arch 96, Joan Street, London SE1 8DA

A review of the premises licence for Jack's Bar was conducted due to similar complaints from residents concerning noise, patron management, and the premises' response to the EPT. The sub-committee resolved to modify the licence by adjusting the hours for live music, recorded music, and the sale of alcohol to align with planning permission. New conditions were added, mirroring many of those imposed on EV Restaurant, including the installation of a sound limiting device, restrictions on external areas, and the requirement for SIA officers to manage patron dispersal. Several previous conditions were removed.

The sub-committee's reasoning emphasized the need to address public nuisance and the cumulative impact of the three neighbouring licensed premises. They agreed that aligning the licence hours with planning permission was necessary to protect local residents.

Thai Silk, Railway Arches 94 to 95, Joan Street, London SE1 8DD

The licensing review for Thai Silk also stemmed from resident complaints about noise, patron behaviour, and the premises' engagement with the EPT. The sub-committee decided to modify the licence to align operating hours for various licensable activities, including films, live and recorded music, and the sale of alcohol, with those granted under planning permission. New conditions were imposed, similar to those for EV Restaurant and Jack's Bar, focusing on noise reduction, patron management, and the installation of soundproofing measures. Some existing conditions were removed.

The sub-committee's decision was based on the need to prevent public nuisance and to ensure consistency across the three licensed premises in the area. They acknowledged the importance of aligning licence hours with planning permissions to safeguard the amenity of nearby residents.

Christ High Commission International Ministries, River of Life Centre, 12-38 Hatcham Road, London SE15 1TW

An application for a new premises licence for Christ High Commission International Ministries, River of Life Centre, was considered. However, the premises users ultimately withdrew the application.