The Licensing Sub-Committee B met on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for The Railway Tavern. The committee decided to grant the licence but refused to specify the applicant, Mr Yener Karahan, as the designated premises supervisor, requiring the appointment of a qualified alternative.

Railway Tavern Premises Licence Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee B considered an application for a new premises licence for The Railway Tavern, located at 401 Southend Lane, London SE26 5BH. The applicant, Yenka Ltd, sought permission to supply alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, and to provide regulated entertainment in the form of recorded music. The proposed hours for alcohol sales were from 10:00 to 00:00 Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 to 23:00 on Sundays. Recorded music was proposed to be played until 00:00 Monday to Thursday, 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 00:00 on Sundays.

Two representations were received from responsible authorities: the Licensing Authority and Lewisham Trading Standards. Both objected to the application, citing concerns that it would undermine the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

The Licensing Authority's concerns stemmed from the discovery of suspected counterfeit goods, including handbags and football shirts, and non-compliant vaping products during a joint inspection with Trading Standards. They also highlighted deficient management controls and the fact that licensable activities had reportedly continued after the premises had been warned that its previous licence had lapsed due to the dissolution of the licence-holding company. The applicant, Mr Yener Karahan, was the director of the previous licence-holding company and the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for the new application.

Lewisham Trading Standards' objections were based on the alleged sale or possession for sale of prohibited disposable vaping products, suspected counterfeit designer handbags and football shirts, and illicit or counterfeit cigarettes. They noted that these activities could constitute offences under various pieces of legislation, including the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. Trading Standards also raised concerns about public safety due to the potential risks associated with counterfeit and illicit goods, and the protection of children from harm, as these products are age-restricted.

During the hearing, Mr Yener Karahan, assisted by Mr Kieran O’Keefe, presented his case. He apologised for any mistakes, attributing them to oversight and personal difficulties. He stated he had been in the pub trade for 24 years without issue and that losing his licence would impact his home and children. Mr O'Keefe spoke in support of Mr Karahan, describing him as a stalwart and a pillar of the community.

Richard Lockett, Safer Communities Senior Officer for Licensing, presented the Licensing Authority's objections, detailing the findings of the inspection and the concerns regarding the applicant's history. Valda Parker, Crime Enforcement & Regulation Officer, provided further details on the items seized, including three counterfeit handbags, football shirts, and 35 single-use vapes. She also mentioned the discovery of one packet of cigarettes, which an employee claimed was for personal use. Mr Karahan attended a PACE interview under caution, where he accepted a formal caution for an offence under section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994.

The Sub-Committee considered all the evidence presented, including written submissions, oral representations, the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-31, and Home Office Statutory Guidance.

The decision was to grant the premises licence as applied for, subject to a comprehensive set of conditions. These conditions were based on those proposed by the Licensing Authority, incorporating elements from the applicant's proposals and the original licence. Crucially, the Sub-Committee refused to specify Mr Yener Karahan as the designated premises supervisor. The reasons provided were that Mr Karahan had received a formal caution for an offence related to counterfeit goods, and therefore, appointing another qualified person as DPS was deemed necessary and proportionate to promote the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder. The licence would be subject to conditions covering staff training, stock control, supplier verification, record keeping, management oversight, CCTV, and the operation of gaming machines. The decision notice, including the full reasons, was to be sent out within five working days. The Sub-Committee also reminded the parties that if concerns arose regarding compliance with licensing objectives once the premises became operational, the licence review process could be instigated.