The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to consider two applications. The first was a review of the premises licence for Smoque, a restaurant in Bromley, following concerns raised by the Home Office regarding illegal working. The second item was an application to vary the premises licence for C.J.C Two, a post office and convenience store in Orpington, to extend its alcohol sales hours.

Review of the Premises Licence for Smoque

The committee was scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for Smoque, located at 2-4 Ringers Road, Bromley, BR1 1HT. This review was initiated by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder. The report pack indicated that the Home Office had identified individuals working at the premises without the right to work in the UK during multiple enforcement visits. The report detailed three such visits: one on 19 May 2023, where two individuals were found to be working illegally; another on 4 September 2025, where one individual was identified as working without permission; and a further visit on 10 April 2026, which identified another individual working illegally.

The report pack outlined that the Licensing Authority, acting as a Responsible Authority, also submitted a representation in support of the review. This representation highlighted the repeated nature of the breaches over approximately three years, suggesting a pattern of non-compliance and a failure to uphold management controls. The Licensing Authority considered that the evidence undermined the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder, noting that the employment of individuals without the right to work is a serious criminal offence. The report indicated that the Licensing Authority supported the review application and invited the committee to consider powers including modification of conditions, exclusion of licensable activities, removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor, suspension, or revocation of the licence. The Home Office Immigration Enforcement specifically requested the revocation of the premises licence.

Application to Vary the Premises Licence for C.J.C Two

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for C.J.C Two, located at 5-7 Mountfield Way, Orpington, BR5 3NR. The application sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption. Currently, the premises is licensed to sell alcohol between 05:30 and 20:00 daily. The proposed variation would extend these hours to 05:30 to 23:00, seven days a week.

The report pack indicated that 18 valid objections had been received from local residents. These objections primarily raised concerns about the potential for increased noise and disturbance, anti-social behaviour, littering, and a negative impact on the peaceful enjoyment of their homes, particularly given the premises' location in a residential area. Residents expressed worries that extending the hours would exacerbate existing issues and attract unwanted activity. The Metropolitan Police had agreed to additional conditions with the applicant prior to the deadline for representations. These conditions included the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, adoption of a 'Challenge 25' scheme, staff training on the Licensing Act 2003 and conflict management, maintenance of an incident register, a refusals log, and restrictions on the sale of strong beer or cider in single containers. The committee was asked to consider the application, the objections, and the agreed conditions in line with the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030 and relevant guidance.