The Licensing Committee met on 8 April 2025 to discuss a variation application for Catford Rhum and to confirm the minutes of the previous meeting. The committee decided to grant the variation application for Catford Rhum, allowing them to extend their hours for selling alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Catford Rhum Licensing Application

The main item on the agenda was the determination of a variation application submitted by Catford Rhum Limited, for their premises at 48 – 49 Deptford Broadway, London SE8 4PH. The application sought to extend the hours during which they could sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.

The applicant requested the following changes to their license:

• 22:00 – 23:30 Monday
• 23:00 – 23:30 Tuesday
• 23:00 – 00:30 Wednesday
• 23:00 – 01:00 Thursday
• 00:00 - 01:00 Friday
• 00:00 – 01:00 Saturday
• 22:30 – 23:30 Sunday

Currently, Catford Rhum is licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises at the following times:

• 11:00 – 22:00 Monday
• 11:00 – 23:00 Tuesday
• 11:00 – 23:00 Wednesday
• 11:00 – 23:00 Thursday
• 11:00 – 00:00 Friday
• 10:00 – 00:00 Saturday
• 10:00 – 22:30 Sunday

Two representations were received from members of the public, raising concerns about potential public nuisance, risk to public safety, and increased crime and disorder due to the extended hours. One representation stated:

-The selling of alcohol at such late hours will increase the public nuisance to us as residents, as it will increase into even later hours the noise from the bar and people hanging about inside and outside even later hours.

Another representation raised concerns about the combined noise from Catford Rhum and The Bunker, a nearby late-night venue.

The report presented to the committee outlined the Licensing Act 2003 and the four licensing objectives that the committee must consider:

• Protection of Children from Harm
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder
• Prevention of Public Nuisance
• Public Safety

It also noted that decisions should align with the Licensing Authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-25 and the council’s corporate strategy of building an inclusive local economy and safer communities. The report also detailed financial, legal, equalities, climate change, environmental, and crime and disorder implications.

After considering the application and the representations, the committee decided to grant the variation application as applied for.