The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca in Beckenham. The meeting's agenda also included the appointment of a chairman and the declaration of interests.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca, located at 86-90 High Street, Beckenham BR3 1ED. The report pack indicated that the committee was asked to determine this application, taking into account the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021 to 2026 and any written or oral representations from the applicant and objectors.

The report detailed the proposed operating hours for the premises, including:

• Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 00:30, and Friday & Saturday from 10:00 to 01:30.
• Sale of Alcohol: Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 00:00, and Friday & Saturday from 10:00 to 00:30.
• Late Night Refreshment: Sunday to Thursday from 23:00 to 00:30, and Friday & Saturday from 23:00 to 01:00.
• Recorded Music: Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 00:00, and Friday & Saturday from 10:00 to 01:00.

The application also requested extended hours for New Year's Eve and for days preceding bank holidays and St David's Day.

The report pack highlighted that objections had been received from various parties, including Ward Councillors, Responsible Authorities (such as the Police, Planning Authority, and Statutory Nuisance & Anti-Social Behaviour Team), and local residents. Conversely, there were also representations in support of the application from local residents and residents' associations.

The report provided a significant amount of background information on the premises, including its licensing history. This history indicated numerous instances of engagement with the business regarding noise complaints and breaches of previous licences and legislation, including Fixed Penalty Notices for Covid restrictions, Prohibition Notices, Noise Abatement Notices, and reviews of the premises licence. The report also detailed a lengthy list of noise complaints received between March 2024 and January 2025.

The committee was presented with the options to grant the licence, grant it with additional conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, refuse to specify a premises supervisor, or reject the application entirely. The report emphasised the requirement to promote the licensing objectives, including the protection of children from harm, and to consider the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030.

The report also outlined financial, personnel, and legal implications, noting that appeals against the Council's decision could incur costs. It confirmed that Ward Councillors had been notified and had provided comments, and that Responsible Authorities had also been notified and had submitted objections.

The application itself, found in Appendix 1 of the report pack, provided details of the applicant, Pier Luigi's Restaurant Limited, and the proposed operating schedule. The report pack also included a schedule of conditions proposed for the licence, which covered aspects such as CCTV installation and maintenance, incident registers, refused sales records, alcohol sales ancillary to meals, noise limiters, and a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme. A dispersal policy was also provided, outlining procedures to manage customer departure and minimise disturbance to local residents. Appendices included the current premises licence, details of previous review hearing outcomes, representations from various parties, and satellite images of the premises.