The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 September 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Crystal Palace Football Club. The meeting's agenda was also to include standard procedural items.

Application for Premises Licence: Crystal Palace Football Club

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a Premises Licence for Crystal Palace Football Club, located at Whitehorse Lane, SE25 6PU. The application, submitted by CPFC Limited, sought to allow for the provision of regulated entertainment, including plays, films, indoor sporting events, boxing or wrestling, live and recorded music, and performances of dance, from 9:00 am to midnight daily. Additionally, the application requested permission for the provision of late-night refreshment between 11:00 pm and midnight, and the retail sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises between 9:00 am and midnight daily.

Information available indicated that representations had been received from interested parties regarding this application, potentially necessitating a hearing. The applicant's operating schedule outlined steps intended to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These steps included measures such as a comprehensive CCTV system, the deployment of SIA-registered door supervisors and welfare officers, a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales, and procedures for managing noise and waste.

Concerns raised by local residents were also noted. One resident, writing as a Local resident, objected on the grounds that the application failed to provide sufficient information to demonstrate how the prevention of public nuisance would be promoted. Specific concerns were raised about the proposed hours extending beyond typical football match times, the lack of detailed, measurable, and enforceable conditions for managing noise and patron dispersal, and inconsistencies between the application referring to a temporary hospitality pavilion and a fan zone. The resident also noted the absence of a detailed plan of the premises and the proposed Annex 2 containing detailed operating conditions, which had not been made available to the public.

Another resident expressed significant concerns about the proposed licensing hours for music and alcohol sales, from 9 am to midnight, given the proximity to residential homes. They noted that music from the stadium had previously been audible and complained about the recent volume of the stadium's sound system. This resident also voiced fears of increased disruption, anti-social behaviour, and risks to public safety if the application were approved, urging for thorough checks on the premises' suitability and sound testing.

A third resident, writing from their iPhone, also objected to the late hours for music and refreshments, stating that the proposed 12:00 am (and 12:30 am for refreshments) finish time was unusually late for an events venue and would cause noise disruption for those needing to sleep for work, including on weekends. They also noted that the proposal was causing concern among neighbours and that the volume of music from the stadium had been louder in recent years.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was to determine the application, having regard to the Licensing Act 2003, statutory guidance, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-28. The options available to the committee were to grant the application, vary it with or without further conditions, or refuse it.

The meeting was also to include standard procedural items such as the appointment of a Chair, receiving apologies for absence, and the disclosure of interests. A motion was also to be moved regarding the exclusion of the press and public for certain items of business, citing the likely disclosure of exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972.