The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Greek Meze 2 in Sidcup. The meeting's agenda also included the review of previous minutes and declarations of interest.

Application for Premises Licence for Greek Meze 2

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Greek Meze 2, located at 299 Main Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6QL. The report pack indicated that this application sought the same licensable activities and hours as the current licence but notably did not offer a specific condition that had been previously imposed.

The report detailed a significant history of previous applications and reviews concerning the premises. These included:

• Previous Licence Reviews: An application to review the premises licence was made in March 2019, which was later withdrawn. Another review application was made in June 2019, leading to modifications of the licence conditions. In December 2024, the Metropolitan Police Service applied to review the premises licence on grounds of crime and disorder, and public safety. This resulted in the licence being suspended for four weeks and additional conditions being imposed in February 2025.
• Variations to the Licence: Several applications to transfer the licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) had been made over the years. In January 2024, an application was made to vary the DPS to Mrs Rosie Truni, stating it was necessary for effective management following a meeting with Bexley Police. In April 2024, a further application varied the DPS to Mr Tommy Simpson-Truni.
• Application to Remove a Condition: In January 2026, an application was made to vary the Premises Licence to remove a specific condition that prohibited an individual, referred to as Mr XXXXXXXXXXX in the documents, from being re-employed or permitted on the premises at any time. This condition had been imposed following the review in February 2025. The application stated that the removal was sought to permit the individual's return in a limited, non-managerial, and fully supervised capacity, citing staffing pressures and a drop in customer feedback. This application was opposed by the Metropolitan Police Service and the Licensing Authority and was refused by the Sub-Committee in March 2026.

The current application for a new premises licence, submitted in June 2026, was understood to be a means to surrender the existing licence should the new one be granted. Representations were received from the Police, the Licensing Authority, and the Environmental Health Service, all acting in their roles as Responsible Authorities. The Police, in their representation, strongly objected to the application, arguing that granting it without the condition restricting Mr XXXXXXXXXXX's presence would undermine the effectiveness of the previous review outcome and reintroduce the risks the condition was designed to mitigate. They highlighted a consistent pattern of behaviour from Mr XXXXXXXXXXX and repeated failures by the management to uphold assurances.

The Environmental Health Service also objected, citing a high likelihood that the activities would cause a public nuisance. They noted that 15 complaints had been received since June 2025, and an investigation into statutory noise nuisance was underway. The complaints detailed issues with loud amplified music, excessive noise from customers leaving, smashing of glasses, and anti-social behaviour, including urination in public areas. The Environmental Health Officer recommended changes to proposed conditions related to the use of outside areas and the installation and calibration of a noise-limiting device.

The report pack included extensive documentation detailing the history of complaints, previous decisions, and representations from various parties, including detailed witness statements from PC Kate Ellen of the Metropolitan Police and Sarah Brewer, an Environmental Health Officer.