The Licensing Committee of Lewisham Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 18 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes the appointment of councillors to various licensing sub-committees and a review of declarations of interest.

Appointments to Licensing Sub-Committees

A key item scheduled for discussion is the appointment of councillors to five licensing sub-committees. These sub-committees will be responsible for overseeing the discharge of the Council's licensing functions under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005. The report outlines the proposed composition of these sub-committees, including Sub-Committee A (Candan, Kowalski, Moore), Sub-Committee B (Aiello, Justin Calcutt-Cheadle, Anifowose), Sub-Committee C (Gil, Powell, Dunne), Sub-Committee D (Mckenna, Candan, Gil), and the Urgency Sub-Committee (Candan, Dunne, Anifowose). The report notes that the majority of hearings will be considered by sub-committees A-D in rotation, while the Urgency Committee will handle summary and short-notice applications for Temporary Event Notices. It is also stated that any Member of the Licensing Committee can act as a substitute for any member of a sub-committee, and each sub-committee will appoint its own Chair and Vice-Chair.

This agenda item aligns with the administration's priorities, particularly those relating to an economy of care and Justice, sanctuary and care. Members of the Licensing Committee are reminded to consider the four Licensing Objectives: Protection of Children from Harm, Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Prevention of Public Nuisance, and Public Safety, as well as the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-31.

Declarations of Interest

The committee is also scheduled to address declarations of interest. Members are asked to declare any personal interest they may have in any item on the agenda. The report details three types of personal interests: disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests. Disclosable pecuniary interests are defined by regulation and include employment, sponsorship, contracts, beneficial interests in land, licences to occupy land, corporate tenancies, and beneficial interests in securities. Other registerable interests encompass membership or control in bodies appointed by the Council, bodies exercising public functions or influencing public opinion, and gifts or hospitality with an estimated value of at least £25. Non-registerable interests relate to matters that might affect a member's wellbeing, or that of their family or close associates, more than the general local population, but are not required to be registered.

The report outlines the procedures for declaring interests and the impact on members' participation. It states that failure to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest and participating in a discussion where such an interest exists is liable to prosecution, with a potential fine of up to £5,000. For other registerable interests, members must still declare the nature of the interest, but may remain in the room and vote unless a reasonable member of the public would consider their interest significant enough to impair their judgement. Special provisions are also mentioned for sensitive interests, where disclosure could pose a risk of violence or intimidation. Exempt categories are also listed, allowing members to participate in decisions notwithstanding certain interests, such as those related to housing tenancies, school meals, or statutory sick pay.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Civic Suite, Catford Road, London SE6 4RU. Enquiries regarding the meeting can be directed to Charlotte Williams via email at committee@lewisham.gov.uk.