The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 4 April 2024 to consider applications for variations to premises licences. The meeting focused on two specific venues: Costa Azul and Tasty African Food.

Costa Azul, Unit 4 Railway Arch 102a Rockingham Street, London SE1 6PG

The committee was scheduled to consider an application from Amber J Restaurant Ltd to vary the premises licence for Costa Azul. The application sought to extend the licensable activities and opening hours. Specifically, the variation proposed extending the finishing hours for recorded music, late night refreshment, the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, and the overall opening times. Additionally, the application sought to add a licensable activity for the performance of dance.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the licensing authority. The police objected to the variation, citing concerns under the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective. They noted that the venue's current operating hours already exceed those recommended in the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy and that the requested extension would align with nightclub hours. Concerns were raised about the proximity of residential buildings and an observed increase in alcohol-related crime and disorder at weekends, suggesting that extended hours would exacerbate anti-social behaviour. While acknowledging proposed control measures, the police believed the location was unsuitable for such late operating hours.

The licensing authority's representation also focused on the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. They highlighted the premises' location near busy traffic areas but noted that Rockingham Street itself is quiet. However, the representation pointed out the presence of high-density residential housing estates in the vicinity. While not objecting to extended hours from Sunday to Thursday, they did object to any extension on Friday and Saturday nights that would go beyond the recommended closing times in the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy. They also objected to the proposed schedule of conditions replacing existing licence conditions entirely.

The report pack detailed the premises' licensing history, including previous contested applications and variations, as well as a history of temporary event notices and licensing visits. It also outlined the council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, which provides guidance on recommended hours of operation for different types of premises in various areas. The premises is located within the Elephant and Castle Major Town Centre area.

Tasty African Food, 57-59 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0EZ

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application from Anthony Abiodun Adams to vary the premises licence for Tasty African Food. The applicant described the premises as primarily a takeaway that also operates as a restaurant and bar. The variation was sought because the restaurant side of the business was reportedly ailing, with customers preferring to dine later on Fridays and Saturdays, expecting the premises to be open until 01:00.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the council's Environmental Protection Team. The police initially objected to the variation, expressing concerns about extending hours beyond those recommended in the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy, particularly in an area already experiencing anti-social behaviour. They noted that the venue had previously been found to be operating outside its permitted hours. However, following an agreement on amended hours and additional control measures, the police withdrew their objection.

The Environmental Protection Team raised concerns about the potential for public nuisance due to the extension of licensable activities and opening hours. They highlighted the presence of residential properties directly above and adjoining the premises and noted that the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy suggests closing hours of 23:00 for premises in this residential area. The team expressed concern that extending hours would lead to noise from patrons inside the premises and when leaving, potentially causing sleep disturbance to residents. They also referenced previous complaints about loud music and noise, as well as alleged operation beyond permitted hours without Temporary Event Notices².

The report pack included details of the current premises licence, the variation application, and the history of the premises, including previous licences and a warning letter issued by the Trading Standards Enforcement Officer regarding operating outside permitted hours. The premises is located in a residential area, and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy recommends closing hours of 23:00 for restaurants and cafes in such locations.