The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council met on Thursday 13 June 2024 to discuss two main licensing applications: the Summer Sizzle event and the Melody premises licence variation. The committee decided to refuse the Summer Sizzle application and granted the Melody variation with conditions.

Summer Sizzle Event

The application for the Summer Sizzle event, submitted by Global Entertainment Ltd, sought a time-limited licence for a one-day event at Norwood Park. The event proposed live music, recorded music, and the sale of alcohol from 13:00 to 21:00 on Saturday, 27 July 2024. The application faced 25 representations against it, including objections from the Licensing Authority, the Metropolitan Police, the Food Health and Safety Department, and 22 members of the public.

Key Concerns Raised:

• Public Safety and Noise: Matthew Onokoya from the Public Protection Noise Department highlighted the lack of a noise assessment report, which is crucial for ensuring that noise from the event does not impact nearby residents.
• Event Management: The Licensing Authority, represented by Paula Ojurri, noted that the application lacked essential policy documents, including a security policy and a noise management plan.
• Police Concerns: P.C. Dave Watson from the Metropolitan Police expressed disappointment over the lack of engagement from the applicant and the insufficient timeframe for planning such a large event.

Applicant's Response:

Ramon Roper, the event organiser, acknowledged the objections and expressed frustration with the Lambeth events team for suggesting an unsuitable location and not providing adequate support. He confirmed that there was a contingency plan to move the event to an indoor venue in Nottingham.

Decision:

The committee decided to refuse the application, citing concerns over public safety, noise, and the lack of necessary permissions and documentation. The full decision and reasons will be sent to the applicant in due course.

For more details, refer to the Summer Sizzle Report and Annex B - Summer Sizzle representations.

Melody Premises Licence Variation

The second application discussed was for the variation of the premises licence for Melody Food Limited, located near Stockwell tube station. The applicant sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment and the sale of alcohol on Fridays and Saturdays.

Key Points:

• Current and Proposed Hours: The current licence allowed operations until 1 AM, and the proposed variation sought to extend this to 3 AM for alcohol sales and 2 AM for late-night refreshments.
• Support and Objections: The application received objections from the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police, primarily concerned with potential public nuisance and crime and disorder.

Applicant's Presentation:

Stephen Banks, representing Melody Food Limited, argued that the extension was necessary to meet the demand for late-night trade in the area, which includes two nearby nightclubs and late-night food shops. He emphasised that Melody aims to offer a more intimate late-night experience with food and drink.

Decision:

The committee decided to grant the application with conditions to ensure the promotion of the licensing objectives. The specific conditions will be detailed in the written decision sent to the applicant.

For more details, refer to the Melody Report and Annex B - Representations Melody Var App.

The meeting concluded with the committee thanking all participants and confirming that written notifications of the decisions would be sent in due course.