The Licensing Subcommittee A of Lewisham Council convened on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, to consider several licensing applications. Key decisions included granting a variation to Merkur Slots' premises licence to extend operating hours, modifying the licence for Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd in response to public nuisance complaints, and granting a variation to First Point Restaurant's licence with specific conditions.

Merkur Slots, 40 Deptford High Street

The subcommittee considered an application by Merkur Slots UK Limited to vary its bingo premises licence at 40 Deptford High Street, SE8 4AF. The application sought to extend operating hours to 09:00 to 06:00 daily. Seven representations were received from interested parties, primarily concerning the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm. Objectors raised concerns about the impact on the residential character of the area, potential for increased noise and disruption, and light pollution from a large screen in the premises' window. The applicant, represented by Sarah LaFerre, argued that their extensive experience and robust operational systems, including CCTV, staff training, and a Think 25 policy, effectively promoted the licensing objectives. They presented evidence from Leveche Associates Ltd, independent security consultants, who found the premises to be well-run with no negative impact on the local community. Responsible authorities, including the police and environmental health, raised no objections.

The subcommittee granted the variation, allowing extended hours for Merkur Slots.

Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd, 481 New Cross Road

A review application was heard concerning Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd, trading as D Coco Drink, at 481 New Cross Road, SE14 6TA. The review was initiated by Richard Lockett, a Senior Licensing Officer, due to concerns about the premises undermining the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and preventing crime and disorder. Representations were received from the police, the antisocial behaviour and nuisance team, and three members of the public. The licence holder requested an adjournment, citing insufficient time to prepare, but this was refused by the subcommittee due to the public interest in determining the matter promptly.

During the hearing, evidence was presented detailing numerous complaints regarding loud amplified music, patron noise, and breaches of licence conditions, including issues with alcohol being supplied contrary to licence conditions and a lack of a sound limiter. Residents described significant disturbances, including fighting and noise extending into the early hours of the morning.

The subcommittee decided to take the following steps under Section 52 of the Licensing Act 2003:

• Amend the terminal hour for the basement to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Amend the hours for licensable activities for the basement so that the terminal hour is 11:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 12:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Remove the designated premises supervisor.
• Add a condition requiring the submission and approval of a noise management plan by the licensing authority.

First Point Restaurant, 178 New Cross Road

The subcommittee considered an application for the variation of a premises licence for First Point Restaurant at 178 New Cross Road, SE14 5AA. The application sought to extend hours for alcohol, recorded music, and late-night refreshment, amend closing times, and make changes to the layout. Ten relevant representations were received from members of the public, primarily objecting on the grounds of preventing public nuisance and preventing crime and disorder. Objectors raised concerns about potential noise disturbance from patrons and music, increased anti-social behaviour, and the impact on the residential nature of the area. The applicant, Paul Ugochukwu, stated the business was a restaurant, not a club, and highlighted measures taken to mitigate noise, including insulation and acoustic panels. The responsible authority for licensing withdrew its objection after the applicant accepted further suggested conditions.

The subcommittee decided to grant the application with modifications. The terminal hour for alcohol, recorded music, and late-night refreshment on Sundays was set to midnight, with a closing time of 12:30 a.m. The proposed seasonal variation to extend hours until 3 a.m. on Christmas Eve and bank holidays was removed. Additionally, a further condition requiring a dispersal policy was added.

The meeting also included the election of Councillor Candon as Chair, confirmation of the start time for Licensing Subcommittee A, and the agreement of minutes from the previous meeting. No declarations of interest were made.