The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 16 May 2024 to consider applications related to premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting's agenda included discussions on a variation to the licence for These Days Aperitivo Bar and a transfer of the licence for Club 701.

Licensing Act 2003: These Days Aperitivo Bar, 100 Druid Street, London SE1 2HQ

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for These Days Aperitivo Bar, located at 100 Druid Street, London SE1 2HQ. The application, made by Oliver Man, sought to extend the closing times and the hours for the sale of alcohol on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the Council's Licensing Authority. The police raised concerns about the potential negative impact on the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder, noting that some proposed conditions were vague and not enforceable. The Licensing Authority's representation highlighted the premises' location within a residential area and its proximity to the Arnold Estate. They expressed concerns about the potential for increased nuisance and detrimental effects on the quality of life for local residents, particularly given that Druid Street is part of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, an area with a high concentration of licensed premises. The council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ recommends a closing time of 23:00 for similar establishments in residential areas. The report also noted that no representations had been received from other persons.

The report detailed the history of the premises' licence, including its initial granting and previous temporary event notices. It also referenced relevant sections of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy², including those pertaining to cumulative impact and hours of operation.

Licensing Act 2003: Club 701, Basement and Ground Floors, 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA - Transfer of Premises Licence

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an objection notice from the Metropolitan Police Service regarding an application to transfer the premises licence for Club 701, located at 516 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5BA. The application was submitted by Eddie Hanson to transfer the licence from Erico Entertainment Limited.

The police objection centred on the fact that the premises licence for Club 701 had previously been revoked following a summary review under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003 due to a serious incident. This revocation was subject to an ongoing appeal at the Magistrates' Court. The police contended that the practice of transferring a premises licence following a review application could be used to circumvent the review and appeal processes. They highlighted that Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy³ requires documented proof of business transfer or lawful occupancy to support the claim of new management control in such circumstances. The police stated that Eddie Hanson had not provided this documentation, leading to concerns that the premises might still be under the control of Erico Entertainment Limited. The report detailed the extensive history of the premises' licence, including numerous previous breaches of licence conditions, closure notices, licensing inductions, and previous licence reviews and suspensions, culminating in the revocation of the licence on 8 February 2024.

The report also outlined the current premises licence details for Club 701, including its authorised licensable activities and opening hours, which permit late-night operations.