The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Tuesday 23 April 2024 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Tasty African Food. The committee granted the variation, extending the opening hours and licensable activities on Fridays and Saturdays, subject to a number of new conditions.

Tasty African Food Licence Variation

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a variation to the premises licence for Tasty African Food, located at 57-59 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0EZ, allowing for extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The decision was made after considering representations from the applicant, Anthony Abiodun Adams, the Metropolitan Police, the Environmental Protection Team, and several local residents.

The approved variation allows for:

• Sale of alcohol (on-premises): Extended from Sunday to Thursday 09:00-22:30 and Friday to Saturday 09:00-23:30.
• Recorded Music: Extended from Sunday to Thursday 09:00-23:00 to Friday to Saturday 09:00-23:30.
• Late Night Refreshment: Extended to Friday to Saturday 23:00-23:30.
• Opening Hours: Extended from Sunday to Thursday 09:00-23:00 to Friday to Saturday 09:00-00:00.

The committee noted an error in the conditions agreed with the Metropolitan Police regarding off-sales, as the applicant had not applied to vary these. Consequently, those specific conditions were removed.

A number of new conditions were imposed to promote the licensing objectives, including:

• Encouraging patrons to use public transport and updating the website accordingly.
• Providing a dedicated telephone number for residents for conflict resolution.
• Implementing a comprehensive dispersal policy, with staff training and clear signage.
• Ensuring CCTV coverage of all public areas, with footage retained for 31 days.
• Requiring a nominated staff member to act as a warden during closing times to encourage quiet dispersal.
• Mandating the employment of at least one SIA registered door supervisor from 22:00 until 15 minutes after closing on Fridays and Saturdays when terminal hours extend beyond 23:00.
• Prohibiting the removal of alcohol or glassware from the premises after 00:00.
• Maintaining an incident log to record various occurrences, with staff training on its use.
• Implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drug use, with staff training and signage.
• Supporting the Ask for Angela or similar safety initiatives, with staff training.

The decision was made after the sub-committee considered the applicant's efforts to address concerns, including a significant reduction in the originally requested hours. While the Environmental Protection Team noted that the proposed hours exceeded the council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ recommendations for restaurants in residential areas, they acknowledged that the premises had been generally well-managed within its existing permitted hours. Concerns were raised by residents regarding potential noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, and the building's suitability for late-night operations, particularly given the history of issues with the basement premises. The committee concluded that the revised conditions were proportionate and would address these concerns while allowing the business to grow.