The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council is scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Swan and Mitre pub. The committee will review objections received from local residents regarding potential increases in noise and anti-social behaviour.

Variation to Premises Licence - The Swan and Mitre

The main item for discussion is an application to vary the premises licence for The Swan and Mitre, located at 260-262 High Street, Bromley BR1 1PG. The proposed changes include extending the opening hours and the times for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol on Fridays and Saturdays.

Currently, the premises closes at 23:59 each day, with alcohol sales permitted until 23:30 and late-night refreshment until 23:59. The application seeks to extend these hours on Fridays and Saturdays to 01:30 for opening, 01:00 for alcohol sales and late-night refreshment, and midnight for live music. Recorded music and similar activities would also be permitted until 01:00 on these days.

The report pack indicates that objections have been received from members of the public. These objectors have raised concerns that the proposed extended hours are likely to undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. ¹ Specific worries include increased noise levels from music and customers, as well as potential rises in anti-social behaviour such as shouting, vehicle noise, and littering.

The applicant has agreed to a revised set of conditions with the Metropolitan Police Service to address these concerns. These proposed conditions include requirements for risk assessments regarding the deployment of SIA-licensed door supervisors, restrictions on new customers and re-admissions after certain hours, and the implementation of a written dispersal policy. Additionally, the applicant has agreed to maintain a CCTV system, an incident register, and a refusals log. Staff training on the Licensing Act 2003 and conflict management is also proposed, along with a condition that doors and windows remain closed after 23:00 during regulated entertainment to prevent noise escape.

The committee will consider these representations and the proposed conditions in line with the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030² and statutory guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003³. The committee has the power to grant the application in full, grant it with amendments or additional conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, or refuse the application entirely.