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Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 12 June 2025 7.00 pm

June 12, 2025 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)
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Summary

The Lambeth Council Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss a new premises licence for a rooftop bar and event space, and a review of an existing premises licence for a tapas bar. The committee decided to grant the premises licence for Waterloo Rooftop with amended hours and additional conditions to address concerns raised by objectors. However, the committee resolved to revoke the premises licence for Aquarium Tapas Bar due to repeated breaches of licensing conditions and a lack of confidence in the management's ability to uphold the licensing objectives.

Waterloo Rooftop - Elizabeth House

The committee approved a new premises licence for Waterloo Rooftop, located on the eighth floor of Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, SE1 7NQ. The applicant, SE1 Sunset Ltd, sought authorisation for recorded music, late night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. Live music was removed from the application in response to resident concerns.

The committee agreed to grant the application subject to several conditions:

  • Amended hours of operation, as detailed in the applicant's supplementary bundle.
  • Additional conditions A to G, as detailed in the applicant's supplementary bundle.
  • A noise limiter fitted to the music amplification system, set and secured to the satisfaction of Lambeth Council's Public Protection officers.

The applicant's agent, Jack Spiegler, explained that the venue would be a temporary bar and event space, operating for approximately 18 months pending redevelopment of Elizabeth House. He emphasised that it would not be a rave venue and that the applicant was committed to being a responsible neighbour.

James Stell, the applicant, described the venue as predominantly seated, with table service via QR codes. He stated that the intention was to create a relaxed environment with background music, accessible to local residents and tourists alike. He also highlighted the applicant's experience operating a similar rooftop venue in London Bridge, with a zero complaints record.

Torbid Anderson from RBA Acoustics, addressed concerns about noise levels, explaining that the loudspeaker system would be designed to minimise noise pollution. He also confirmed that a noise limiter would be installed and set in consultation with the council's environmental health officer, Dr Ali Pavandi, to ensure music levels were not audible at nearby residences.

Several residents raised concerns about potential noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, and loss of privacy. Dr David Paul Nicholas questioned the accuracy of noise surveys, while Bert O'Donoghue raised concerns about noise at exit times and the use of an entrance close to Leak Street. Alan Chapman expressed concern about the venue's capacity and the potential for traffic congestion.

In response, Mr Spiegler clarified that the Leak Street entrance would only be used in emergencies and that customers would primarily exit towards Waterloo Station, where taxi ranks and transport links are located. He also noted that the premises had been fire risk assessed as safe for 682 people, including staff, but that this number would likely only be reached occasionally.

The committee was ultimately satisfied that the amended hours and additional conditions addressed the concerns raised by objectors and that granting the application was appropriate and proportionate.

Aquarium Tapas Bar - 415 Wandsworth Road

The committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Aquarium Tapas Bar, 415 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2JP, following an application for review by the Metropolitan Police. The police cited concerns that the premises licence holder had failed to promote the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public nuisance, and ensuring public safety.

The review application detailed several incidents, including an alleged assault at the premises in March 2025 and an earlier incident in February 2023 where a patron was threatened with a firearm. In both cases, the premises were found to be operating beyond their permitted hours. The police also stated that the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), Jorge De Freitas, had admitted to several breaches of licence conditions and had failed to provide requested CCTV footage.

Nicole Terrieux, Regulatory Services Manager for Lambeth Council, stated that the Licensing Authority had no confidence in the management or operation of the premises, citing repeated breaches and the failure of the DPS to promote the licensing objectives. PC Alan Bay, representing the Metropolitan Police, echoed these concerns, noting that the DPS had previously been given guidance on licensing requirements but had failed to comply.

While Jared Onyancha, representing Ms Ismar Diaz (DPS), acknowledged that there had been lapses in management due to Ms Diaz's pregnancy and related health issues, he argued that measures had been implemented to address these challenges, including the appointment of a new DPS and enhanced staff training. He also highlighted the potential impact of the venue's closure on the livelihoods of eleven staff members.

The committee, however, was not persuaded that these measures would be sufficient to address the concerns raised. They noted the repeated breaches of licence conditions and the lack of confidence in the premises licence holder's ability to promote the licensing objectives. The committee concluded that revocation was the only appropriate and proportionate option in the circumstances.

Councillor David Robson, Chair of Licensing, confirmed that written notification of the decision would be sent to all parties in due course.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorDavid Robson
CouncillorDavid Robson  Chair of Licensing •  Labour •  Clapham Town
Profile image for Councillor Scott Ainslie
Councillor Scott Ainslie  Group Leader •  Green •  Streatham St Leonard's
Profile image for Councillor Linda Bray
Councillor Linda Bray  Chair of Pensions Board •  Labour •  Clapham Town
Profile image for Councillor Ben Curtis
Councillor Ben Curtis  Group Whip •  Liberal Democrats •  Clapham Common and Abbeville
Profile image for Councillor Ibrahim Dogus
Councillor Ibrahim Dogus  Labour •  Waterloo and South Bank
Profile image for CouncillorJohn-Paul Ennis
CouncillorJohn-Paul Ennis  Policy Lead for Young People •  Labour •  Brixton North
Profile image for CouncillorOlga FitzRoy
CouncillorOlga FitzRoy  Labour •  St Martin's
Profile image for CouncillorDr. Pauline George
CouncillorDr. Pauline George  Tackling Violence Affecting Young People Champion •  Labour •  Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction
Profile image for Councillor Martin Tiedemann
Councillor Martin Tiedemann  Labour •  Clapham Park
Profile image for CouncillorIsla Wrathmell
CouncillorIsla Wrathmell  Active Travel Champion •  Labour •  Vauxhall

Topics

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