The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 18 June 2026, to consider applications for new premises licences. The committee will review applications for two establishments: Sotto, located at 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD, and Kent Restaurant & Lounge, situated on the First Floor at 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA. Both applications have attracted representations from responsible authorities and other interested parties, necessitating a formal hearing for determination.

Sotto, 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Sotto, located at 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD. This application, made by Sotto London Limited under the Licensing Act 2003¹, is subject to outstanding representations from the Police, Trading Standards, and six other individuals. The proposed operating hours for the sale of alcohol and the premises' opening hours are from 12:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack indicates that the Police have requested additional conditions to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, while Trading Standards have requested conditions to protect children from harm. Representations from other persons, primarily residents living above the premises, raise concerns about potential noise, external congregation, vibration, and pest issues, believing that a new licensed premises would exacerbate existing anti-social behaviour. These residents have outlined specific concerns, including:

Potential disturbance from customers, External smoking and congregation, Noise from the premises, Vibration transmission, Disturbance from deliveries, The potential for pest concerns, The proximity of the premises to residential addresses.

The premises has no prior licensing history. The application is being considered in light of Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy², which outlines the council's approach to licensing objectives.

Kent Restaurant & Lounge, First Floor, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA

The sub-committee will also consider an application for a premises licence for Kent Restaurant & Lounge, located at First Floor, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA. This application by Kent Restaurant & Lounge Ltd, also made under the Licensing Act 2003, has received representations from the Police, the council's Environmental Protection Team (EPT), and ten other individuals.

The applicant has requested extended hours for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol, with proposed opening hours extending to 03:30 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. These hours significantly exceed those recommended in Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy³ for premises in residential areas, which suggests a closing time of 23:00 for public houses, wine bars, and restaurants.

The Police have raised concerns regarding the excessive hours sought, the premises' history of crime and disorder, noise nuisance, and a lack of confidence in the management due to past non-compliance. The EPT has also expressed concerns about potential noise nuisance and adverse impacts on residents, recommending a reduction in hours to align with the council's policy.

Representations from other persons highlight a documented history of serious issues at the premises, including repeated licensing interventions, suspensions, noise problems, serious disorder, and licence revocation under previous operators. Concerns are also raised about the applicant company's association with Mr. Eric Doe, a former director of a previous operator whose licence was revoked. Residents have expressed worries about safeguarding risks to vulnerable adults in nearby accommodation, the impact on families and shift workers, and the unsuitability of the location for late-night dispersal. The operating model, described as a wine bar and restaurant, is viewed by objectors as indicative of nightclub-style activity, given the requested hours, amplified music, and the presence of SIA door supervisors.

The report pack details the premises' history, including previous licensing actions and complaints, and notes that the premises has operated under Temporary Event Notices (TENs) in the past. The sub-committee will consider the proposed conditions and the representations made by all parties.