The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to consider two applications related to the Licensing Act 2003. These included an application for a new premises licence for a food and drink establishment and a review of an existing premises licence for a wine retailer.

Licensing Act 2003: Hot Box Chicken and Pizza, Arch 182, 30 Manor Place, London SE17 3BB

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Hot Box Chicken and Pizza, located at 30 Manor Place, London SE17 3BB. The application, submitted by Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed, sought permission for the sale of late-night refreshment and for the premises to be open to the public. The proposed hours for late-night refreshment were from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am on Sundays and Thursdays, and from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises were described as a Take-away, delivery and cafe.

Representations were received from several responsible authorities. The Metropolitan Police Service objected to the application, citing concerns about potential increases in crime and disorder, noise nuisance, and anti-social behaviour, particularly during the proposed late hours. The council's environmental protection team raised concerns about noise and disturbance to nearby residential properties, suggesting a condition for deliveries to be conducted at the rear of the premises. The health and safety team noted that the premises appeared to be operating as a shisha lounge, with patrons smoking indoors, which is contrary to the Health Act 2006. The licensing team also raised concerns about the proposed hours being outside the council's Statement of Licensing Policy and requested a raft of conditions to mitigate potential negative impacts.

In contrast, three representations from other individuals supported the application, highlighting the business's positive contribution to the local community and its role as a hub for residents, including Uber drivers.

The report pack also detailed the council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, which guides decisions on licensing applications, and outlined the legal framework of the Licensing Act 2003².

Licensing Act 2003: City Wines (aka Dennis Wines), 141 Jamaica Road, London SE16 4SH

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for the review of the premises licence for City Wines (aka Dennis Wines), located at 141 Jamaica Road, London SE16 4SH. This review application was submitted by the council's trading standards service.

The grounds for the review were primarily related to the sale of alcohol to a minor. The report detailed an incident on 15 June 2024, where a 15-year-old volunteer was sold a bottle of Fullers Bengal Lancer Ale. The review application also highlighted other alleged offences discovered during an inspection, including the possession of illegal vapes, suspected smuggled goods, and a failure to display a statutory notice related to the protection of children from tobacco.

The licensing team, as a responsible authority, supported the review application, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. They noted that the licensee, Mr. Kavirach Nagarajah, had previously received a caution for offences related to illegal vapes and illicit tobacco. The licensing team contended that there was a persistent pattern of behaviour and that underage alcohol sales were likely to continue if the licence remained in place, supporting the trading standards service's recommendation for revocation.

The report also outlined the history of the premises licence and the legal framework under the Licensing Act 2003, including the potential actions the sub-committee could take, such as imposing conditions, suspending, or revoking the licence.