The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Friday 10 July 2026 to consider a summary review of the premises licence for the Ship Aground Public House. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Licensing Act 2003: Ship Aground Public House, 33 Wolseley Street, London SE1 2BP - Summary Review

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a summary review of the premises licence for the Ship Aground Public House, located at 33 Wolseley Street, London SE1 2BP. This review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police Service under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, following an incident on 8 July 2026. The police reported that during a warrant executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, a quantity of suspected class A drugs and a firearm were found on the premises.

The report pack indicated that the police believed the premises were associated with serious crime and disorder, and requested that the licensing sub-committee consider whether to take interim steps pending a full review of the licence, which was scheduled for 4 August 2026. The report outlined the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, which requires licensing authorities to promote four objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, the promotion of public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The report detailed the current premises licence for the Ship Aground Public House, held by Mr Michael Jarman, which permits the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment, with opening hours until 1:00 am. It also noted that Mr Jarman is the designated premises supervisor. The report referenced Southwark Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, highlighting relevant sections concerning the licensing objectives, cumulative impact, and operating hours. The premises are not located within a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA).

The report also included supplementary advice from the Interim Director of Law and Governance, outlining the principles for determining interim steps. These principles include holding a hearing within 48 hours of receiving a Section 53A application and considering steps such as modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, or suspending the premises licence. Any interim steps taken would remain in effect until the full review hearing.

The meeting was scheduled to consider the application and certificate from the Metropolitan Police Service, which stated that the premises were associated with serious crime and disorder. The police's grounds for the review, as quoted in the report, were:

"On Wednesday 08th July 2026 at 0905hrs officers from the Southwark Police violent focus desk (Central South BCU) carried out a warrant under 'Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971' following intelligence indicating the venue was being used to store illegal firearms and was involved in the supply of illegal drugs. The warrant was issued by Uxbridge Magistrates court on the 25th June 2026. Officers having entered the venue carried out a search of the premises whereby one person was found present who was not the Premises Licence Holder or Designated premises supervisor. The searching officers found a small quantity of. suspected class A drugs and a firearm inside a safe on the premises. The XXXX at the premises was subsequently arrested

It is clear this premises is linked to both serious crime and disorder and if allowed to operate puts the public at serious risk of harm.

Police therefore respectfully ask the committee as an interim step, to suspend this premises licence to ensure no further incident of serious crime and disorder are committed. Submitted uner the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder and disorder."

The report also noted that the sub-committee must act in a quasi-judicial capacity, considering the application on its merits and adhering to licensing law, guidance, and the council's statement of licensing policy.

The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items such as receiving apologies, confirming voting members, notifying of urgent items, and the disclosure of interests and dispensations.

The documents provided for this meeting include the Public reports pack Friday 10-Jul-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee and the Agenda frontsheet Friday 10-Jul-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.