The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence. The primary item on the agenda was an application for a premises licence for Char Chicken, located at 185 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RW.

Licensing Act 2003: Char Chicken, 185 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RW

The main focus of the meeting was the consideration of an application made by Char 1746 Ltd. for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for the premises known as Char Chicken. This application was referred to the Licensing Sub-Committee for determination due to an outstanding representation from a local resident.

The report pack detailed the application, which initially sought to provide late-night refreshment indoors from Monday to Sunday between 23:00 and 05:00, with opening hours from Monday to Sunday between 07:00 and 05:00. The premises was described as a cafe from 7am to 1pm, and a Turkish restaurant and takeaway from 1pm to 11pm, with no alcohol to be sold.

Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police Service, the applicant agreed to amend the proposed hours. The revised hours for late-night refreshment were Sunday to Thursday from 23:00 to 00:00, and Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 01:00. The revised opening hours were Sunday to Thursday from 07:00 to 00:00, and Friday and Saturday from 07:00 to 01:00. The Metropolitan Police Service initially objected to the application but subsequently withdrew their representation after these amendments and the agreement to include additional conditions.

However, a representation from a local resident remained outstanding. This resident objected primarily to the proposed hours, expressing concerns about potential public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. While acknowledging the reduction in hours agreed with the police, the resident felt that the revised hours were still likely to cause disturbance and proposed further reductions to the terminal hours. The resident suggested opening hours of 07:00 to 23:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 07:00 to 00:00 on Friday and Saturday, with late-night refreshment not authorised after 23:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and between 23:00 and 00:00 on Friday and Saturday.

The report pack outlined the relevant legislation, including the Licensing Act 2003, and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 to 2031. It also referenced the Section 182 Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003 and the National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors. The premises is located within the Elephant and Castle Major Town Centre, which has recommended closing hours of 00:00 on Sundays to Thursdays and 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays for takeaways and restaurants.

The report also included details of the steps the applicant proposed to take 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 included the installation of a digital CCTV system, staff training, and measures to ensure customers left the premises quietly.

The meeting was scheduled to consider the application and the representations made, in line with the principles for making determinations under the Licensing Act 2003. The sub-committee was to consider whether it was necessary to modify the conditions, exclude licensable activities, refuse to specify a premises supervisor, or reject the application, all with a view to promoting the licensing objectives.