The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for The Canterbury Arms. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application for a New Premises Licence at The Canterbury Arms

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application by S&F Private Events Ltd for a new premises licence for The Canterbury Arms, located at 871 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1NX. The application, submitted under the Licensing Act 2003, sought permission for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment (live and recorded music), and late-night refreshment.

The proposed operating hours included:

• Sale of alcohol: Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 22:30, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 23:30.
• Late night refreshment: Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 23:30.
• Regulated entertainment (live and recorded music): Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 23:30.
• Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 23:00, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 00:00 (midnight).

The application described the premises as a restaurant with bar facilities, with the basement area designated as the licensable space. Leandro Claudio Vaz Dias was proposed as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

Representations were received from responsible authorities, including Southwark Council's Environmental Protection Team, the Licensing Unit, and the Metropolitan Police Service.

The Environmental Protection Team raised concerns that the proposed closing times exceeded those recommended in the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026. They noted the proximity of residential dwellings and suggested that closing times be aligned with the policy, along with specific control measures to prevent public nuisance.

The Licensing Unit also highlighted that the proposed hours exceeded the council's policy for the area, which is primarily residential. They expressed concern about the premises' previous operational history, referencing a licence revocation in 2020 and a suspension in 2017 following serious incidents. The Licensing Unit requested a copy of the lease agreement to ascertain the applicant's control over the premises. They recommended aligning closing times with the policy and suggested further conditions to promote the licensing objectives.

The Metropolitan Police Service also objected, citing the premises' history of substandard operation and previous licence reviews. They noted the proximity to residential dwellings and expressed concerns that the applicant had not sufficiently addressed the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder. They also requested a copy of the lease agreement and suggested specific control measures.

The report pack detailed the premises' licensing history, including previous licence reviews, suspensions, and revocations, notably concerning Afrikiko Bar, Restaurant and Nightclub at the same address. It also outlined the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which guides decisions on licensing applications, and noted that the premises is not located within a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) but is in a residential area where a 23:00 closing time is recommended for similar establishments. The report also touched upon climate change implications, stating that while not a legal factor, members could encourage applicants to promote climate change reduction.

The meeting was a reconvened session from 20 January 2022, when the committee had decided to adjourn to hear directly from the applicant, who was unable to attend due to work commitments.