The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council met to consider an application to vary the premises licence for LA Sports Club, St Dunstan's Lane, Beckenham. Objections to the application were included in the report of the Director of Environmental Services.

Application to Vary Premises Licence - LA Sports Club

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss an application to vary the premises licence at LA Sports Club, St Dunstan's Lane, Beckenham, BR3 3SS. The applicant, Langley Annexe Limited, sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and opening hours.

The proposed changes were:

• Sale of Alcohol:
  • Monday to Thursday: 11:00 to 20:00 (currently 11:00 to 18:30)
  • Friday and Saturday: 11:00 to 23:00 (currently 11:00 to 18:30)
  • Sunday: 11:00 to 21:00 (currently 11:00 to 18:30)
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 23:30 (no change)
  • Friday and Saturday: 08:00 to 23:30 (no change)
  • Sunday: 08:00 to 23:30 (currently 08:00 to 22:30)

The application also requested that on any day preceding a bank holiday, the sale of alcohol and opening hours would match those of Saturdays.

Langley Annexe Limited also requested the removal of several conditions from the current licence, arguing that they duplicated existing conditions or were unnecessary, vague, or contradictory. The conditions slated for removal were 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21 and 23. These conditions related to staff training, cleanliness, CCTV, drug policy, noise pollution, displaying a telephone number, the Challenge 25 scheme¹, and appropriate signage.

We would however seek to remove a number of these which duplicate purpose with other existing conditions on the premises licence and are either unnecessary, vague or contradictory. We believe it is a benefit to all parties to retain one clear enforceable condition in each case, rather than a number of conditions which seek to achieve the same outcome.

There are no operational changes, nor are there any fewer restrictions placed on the Premises License holder, in the removal of conditions 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21 & 23. Application Form

The report pack included a copy of the application form, the current premises licence, the hearing outcome of 9 August 2023, representations received, and satellite images of the premises.

During the public consultation period, the council received 40 valid objections, including one from the Park Langley Residents' Association. Concerns raised included potential public nuisance, increased traffic and parking issues, and the impact on vulnerable adults and children.

Ward councillors were notified of the application, but no objections were received from them. Responsible authorities were also notified, and no valid objections were received from them.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to determine the application, considering the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030 and representations from the applicant and objectors. The options available to the sub-committee were to grant the variation, grant it with additional conditions, exclude licensable activities, or reject the application.