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Licensing Sub Committee A - Wednesday, 10th June, 2026 7.00 pm
June 10, 2026 at 7:00 pm Licensing Sub Committee A View on council websiteSummary
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The Licensing Sub Committee A of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to consider several applications. The committee elected Councillor Leni Candan as Chair and agreed to hold future meetings at 7pm. Decisions were made regarding a variation to Merkur Slots' premises licence, a review of Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd's licence, and a variation to 1st Point Restaurant's licence.
Merkur Slots, 40 Deptford High Street
The committee considered an application from Merkur Slots UK Limited to vary its premises licence for Merkur Slots at 40 Deptford High Street, London SE8 4AF. The application sought to extend operating hours to 06:00 the following morning, Monday to Sunday, and to amend staffing conditions. Seven representations were received from interested parties, primarily on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from gambling harm. The applicant, represented by Sarah Le Fevre of Counsel, argued that their extensive experience and robust operational safeguards promoted the licensing objectives. Meredith Eddy from the Deptford Society objected, highlighting the residential nature of the area and the potential for disruption and harm to vulnerable people. After considering all submissions, the Sub-Committee rejected the application. The reasons cited included the premises' location in an area of high deprivation, the potential for extended hours to attract vulnerable people late at night, and the belief that existing operational safeguards were insufficient to protect vulnerable individuals.
Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd, 481 New Cross Road
The committee then heard an application for a review of the premises licence for Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd, located at 481 New Cross Road, London SE14 6TA. The review was initiated by Richard Lockett, Senior Licensing Officer for the Licensing Authority, due to concerns that the premises had failed to uphold the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and preventing crime and disorder. Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police, the Antisocial Behaviour and Nuisance Team, and three local residents. The premises licence holder requested an adjournment, which was refused by the Sub-Committee due to the strong public interest in determining the application promptly. After hearing evidence, the Sub-Committee decided to take several steps under Section 52 of the Licensing Act 2003: remove the Designated Premises Supervisor, amend the licensable hours for the basement area, and add a condition requiring the submission and approval of a noise management plan.
1st Point Restaurant, 178 New Cross Road
Finally, the committee considered an application for a variation of the premises licence for 1st Point Restaurant at 178 New Cross Road, London SE14 5AA. The application sought to extend hours for alcohol, recorded music, and late-night refreshment, amend closing times, make changes to the layout, and add a seasonal variation. Ten representations were received from local residents, primarily concerned about public nuisance and crime and disorder. The applicant, Paul Ugochukwu, stated the business was a restaurant and not a nightclub, and that measures had been taken to mitigate noise. Objectors, including Jacob Fitzgerald representing residents and John Lumley from the Besson Street Trust, raised concerns about the proposed late hours in a residential area and potential breaches of lease conditions. After deliberation, the Sub-Committee granted 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 00:30, and the proposed seasonal variation until 3am was removed. An additional condition requiring a dispersal policy was also added.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Minutes
Recommendations ApprovedLicensing Sub Committee A of Lewisham Council approved the minutes of its meeting held on 12 February 2026. The committee confirmed and signed the minutes of the Licensing Committee meetings held on 27 August and 23 October 2025.
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Apologies for Absence
Recommendations ApprovedLicensing Sub Committee A noted apologies for absence from Councillors Moore, Mckenna, Powell, Calcutt-Cheadle, Dunne and Aiello on 10 June 2026. The recommendations were approved.
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Merkur Slots, 40 Deptford High Street
Recommendations ApprovedThe Licensing Sub Committee A decided to reject the application to vary the Premises Licence for Merkur Slots, 40 Deptford High Street, on 10th June 2026. The decision was made to reject the application because the extension of hours was considered to put vulnerable people at greater risk of gambling-related harms.
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Licensing Sub Committee A approved recommendations regarding declarations of interest on 10 June 2026. Members are asked to declare any personal interest they have in any item on the agenda.
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Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd (481 New Cross Road, SE14 6TA)
Recommendations ApprovedLicensing Sub Committee A decided on 10 June 2026 to approve recommendations for Civaena 2 España Bar y Restaurant Ltd. The decision included removing the Designated Premises Supervisor, amending licensable and opening hours, and adding a condition for a Noise Management Policy.
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First Point Restaurant 178 New Cross Road
Recommendations ApprovedLicensing Sub Committee A decided to approve the variation of the premises licence for First Point Restaurant. The decision was made on 10/06/2026. The approved variation includes amended licensable hours for alcohol sales, recorded music, and late night refreshment, along with a change of layout and the addition of specific conditions.
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Election of Chair
Recommendations ApprovedLicensing Sub Committee A decided that Councillor Candan be appointed as Chair for this hearing and the remainder of the municipal year. This decision was made on 10 June 2026.
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Confirmation of Start Time for Licensing Sub-Committee A
Recommendations ApprovedLicensing Sub Committee A agreed that the start time for Sub-Committee A will be 7pm for the remainder of this municipal year. This decision was made on 10/06/2026.
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