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, and determined a new premises licence application for Blackheath Fireworks. For Morley's, the committee decided to impose conditions rather than revoke the licence. For Blackheath Fireworks, the committee granted the premises licence subject to conditions.

Morley's Premises Licence Review

The committee considered an application for the review of the Premises Licence PL0630 for Morley's, located at 312 Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6JZ. The review was initiated by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, following an enforcement visit on 27 August 2025 where two individuals were found to be working illegally.

During the hearing, Alexandra Romano, representing the Home Office Immigration Enforcement, presented evidence that the licence holder, Patkunan Kandasamy, had employed individuals who did not have the right to work in the UK. Ms Romano highlighted that Mr Kandasamy admitted to paying workers in cash, below the national minimum wage, and failing to retain records of right-to-work checks. She argued that revocation of the licence was the appropriate and proportionate step due to a lack of confidence in the future operation of the premises and management responsibility.

Siam Kondoka, representing Mr Kandasamy, argued that the situation arose from a misunderstanding of immigration law rather than deliberate disregard. He presented a consent order dated 7 August 2026, which reduced a civil penalty from £90,000 to £31,500, stating that no penalty was payable in respect of one worker and the penalty for the other was reduced due to mitigating factors. Mr Kondoka contended that revocation was unnecessary and proposed that targeted conditions, such as implementing a written right-to-work compliance procedure and appropriate training for recruitment staff, would be sufficient to promote the licensing objectives.

After deliberation, the subcommittee resolved to impose conditions rather than revoke the licence. The premises licence holder is required to provide written confirmation, with supporting evidence, demonstrating compliance with ten conditions within 28 days of the conditions taking effect. These conditions include requirements related to right-to-work checks, retention of records, follow-up checks, staff registers, availability of records, recruitment and compliance responsibility, training, quarterly compliance audits, and handling of agency and temporary staff. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in a further review of the licence.

Blackheath Fireworks Premises Licence Application

The committee also determined a new premises licence application for Blackheath Fireworks, located on Blackheath Common, London SE3 0TY. The application was made by Radioactive Clothing Limited, trading as Slammin Events, for a two-day annual event to be held between the last weekend of October and the first weekend of November each year, from 2026 onwards. The application sought authorisation for regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music, and the provision of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Paul Rooney, event director for Slammin Events, presented the application, highlighting their experience in organising large-scale events, including the Alexandra Palace fireworks since 2013. He noted that an objection from the Licensing Authority had been withdrawn after the applicant agreed to incorporate two additional conditions. Mr Rooney stated that the event would include multiple bars, stages for live music, and a dedicated People Stage for emerging artists. He emphasised the operational plans, including an event control room with representatives from the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service, and the use of experienced noise and traffic management consultants.

Seventeen objections were received from members of the public, primarily residents living near Talbot Place, raising concerns about public nuisance, public safety, crime and disorder, and environmental impact. Key objections included the proximity of entrances and stages to residential properties, potential for noise disturbance, overcrowding, inadequate emergency vehicle access, and damage to the Heath from previous events. Objectors also expressed concern about the proposed increase in capacity from 29,999 to 39,999 attendees and the move towards a two-day, annual event in perpetuity, arguing that these changes would exacerbate existing issues. Some objectors requested that the application be refused or adjourned until further information, such as a final site layout and acoustic report, was available.

The committee heard from objectors, including residents of Talbot Place and representatives from All Saints' Church, who detailed their concerns about noise, crowd management, emergency access, and the environmental impact on Blackheath Common. They questioned the rationale for moving the event site and increasing capacity if last year's event was considered a success.

In summing up, Mr Rooney clarified misunderstandings regarding the site plan and entrance locations, stating that the production entrance was not off Talbot Place and that consultation had led to the fence line being moved further from residents. He reiterated that Slammin Events takes feedback seriously and aims to address concerns. He also highlighted that no responsible authorities had raised objections to the application, which he argued should provide significant comfort to the committee.

The objectors, in their collective summing up, reiterated their concerns about the lack of a final site plan and acoustic report, and the indefinite duration of the licence. They argued that there was insufficient evidence to grant a licence in perpetuity.

After considering all representations and evidence, the subcommittee resolved to grant the premises licence. The decision was made subject to the conditions proposed in the operating schedule, along with additional conditions imposed by the subcommittee. The committee acknowledged the concerns raised by residents but concluded that the licensing objectives could be adequately promoted through the attached conditions, and that refusal would not be an appropriate or proportionate response. The detailed reasons for the decision and the full conditions will be provided in a written decision notice within five working days.