The Licensing Sub-Committee C met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to consider two applications. The committee reviewed the premises licence for Morley's, a late-night refreshment establishment, following an application for a summary review by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement. The committee also determined a new premises licence application for Blackheath Fireworks, organised by Radioactive Clothing T/A Slammin Events.

Morley's, 312 Lewisham High Street SE13 6JZ

The committee considered a review of the premises licence for Morley's, located at 312 Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6JZ, following an application by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement. The review was brought on the grounds that illegal working at the premises had undermined the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

Alexandra Romano from the Home Office Immigration Enforcement presented the case, highlighting that two individuals were found working illegally during an enforcement visit on 27 August 2025. Ms Romano stated that while the premises licence holder, Kandasamy Patkunan, had agreed to a reduced civil penalty, this did not negate the concerns about management responsibility and confidence in the future operation of the premises. She argued that revocation remained the appropriate and proportionate step.

Representing Mr. Patkunan, Sayem Khondoker of MK Adams solicitors, argued that the situation arose from a misunderstanding of immigration law rather than deliberate disregard. He highlighted that the civil penalty had been significantly reduced following legal proceedings, with the penalty relating to one of the workers being withdrawn. Mr. Khondoker stated that Mr. Patkunan was prepared to accept appropriate conditions to ensure future compliance.

After considering all representations, the Sub-Committee decided to allow the premises licence to continue, subject to ten new conditions being implemented. These conditions focus on ensuring robust right-to-work verification processes, record-keeping, staff training, and regular compliance audits. The Premises Licence Holder must provide written confirmation of compliance with these conditions within 28 days, with failure to do so resulting in a further review of the licence. The full reasons for this decision will be detailed in the written decision notice.

Blackheath Fireworks

The committee then considered a new premises licence application for Blackheath Fireworks, to be held annually on Blackheath Common, submitted by Radioactive Clothing T/A Slammin Events. The application proposed a two-day weekend event, to be held annually between the last week of October and the second week of November, with regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Angela Mullin-Murrell, Safer Communities Licensing Officer, introduced the report, noting that 17 representations had been received from members of the public, and an objection from the Responsible Authority for licensing, which had since been withdrawn after the applicant agreed to two additional conditions. There were no objections from the Police.

Paul Rooney, event director for Slammin Events, presented the application, highlighting the company's experience in organising large-scale events. He addressed concerns raised by residents regarding overcrowding, noise, and traffic management, explaining measures taken to improve crowd flow, increase catering units, and manage noise levels. He also confirmed that the proposed conditions, including those agreed with the Licensing Authority, were adequate to promote the licensing objectives.

Numerous objectors, primarily residents of Talbot Place, raised concerns about public nuisance, public safety, and crime and disorder. Their objections focused on the proximity of the proposed site and entrances to residential properties, potential noise levels, traffic congestion, inadequate emergency access, and the environmental impact on Blackheath Common. Concerns were also raised about the proposed indefinite duration of the licence and the scale of the event, with some requesting the application be refused or adjourned until further information, such as a final site layout and acoustic report, was available.

In summing up, Mr. Rooney clarified points regarding the site plan and consultation process, emphasizing that the applicant had listened to residents' concerns and made efforts to improve arrangements, such as moving the fence line further from residential properties. He reiterated that the event was for local people and that the lack of objections from responsible authorities should provide comfort to the committee.

The objectors collectively summed up, reiterating their concerns about the lack of a final site plan and acoustic report, and the indefinite nature of the licence. They argued that there was insufficient evidence to grant the licence in perpetuity.

The Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence subject to the conditions proposed in the operating schedule, along with additional conditions imposed by the Sub-Committee. These conditions aim to promote the licensing objectives, and the detailed reasons for the decision, along with the full conditions, will be sent out in a written decision notice. The existing premises licence PL1667 will be surrendered upon the grant of this new licence.