The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council met on Thursday 03 July 2025 to consider two licensing applications. The committee granted a new premises licence for Walcot Stores but deferred the decision on a variation application for Supercute.

Walcot Stores Premises Licence Application

The committee granted a new premises licence for Walcot Stores at 68 Walcot Square, London SE11 4TZ. The licence allows for the sale of alcohol and has operating hours of Sunday to Wednesday from 11 am to 4 pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 8:30 pm. This decision was made after considering 31 representations, with 20 against and 11 in support of the application. The applicant, Millie Youngs, director of Walcot Stores, proposed the licence to create a community-focused space offering organic wines, alcohol-free drinks, and arts and crafts workshops.

Concerns raised by residents primarily focused on potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety due to the premises' small size and location on a residential street. Objections highlighted issues such as noise, litter, and the impact on the street's quiet character. However, the applicant addressed these concerns by revising operating hours and agreeing to conditions, including prohibiting outside drinking. Mr. Harrison, a local resident, spoke in support, noting the positive impact of Walcot Stores on the street.

The committee was satisfied that the amended hours and agreed conditions addressed the objectors' concerns, deeming the decision to grant the licence appropriate and proportionate. An additional condition was imposed requiring the licence holder to ensure sufficient measures are in place to prevent and remove litter and waste accumulating outside the premises.

Supercute Premises Licence Variation Application

The committee deferred the decision on the variation application for Supercute, located at Unit G1, Coldharbour Works, 245a Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8RR. The application sought to extend licensable activities, including plays, films, live music, recorded music, performances of dance, and the sale of alcohol, to later hours and to permit the use of the courtyard for these activities. The applicant also requested the removal of conditions 15 (requiring SIA door supervisors) and 23 (requiring a personal licence holder to be on duty at all times).

The application received 51 representations, with 26 in support and 25 against. Objectors, including the Licensing Authority and local councillor Deepak Sardiwal, raised significant concerns about public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Key issues included potential noise disturbance from the courtyard, which is overlooked by residential properties and described as an acoustically hard space, and the impact of extended hours on the local community. Residents also expressed concerns about the removal of existing conditions related to door supervision and the presence of a personal licence holder.

The applicant, Hammant Patel Villa, argued that the variation would allow Supercute to better serve the local community, host cultural events, and support the nighttime economy in Brixton. He highlighted the business's commitment to being a safe space and its involvement in community initiatives. However, the committee noted that condition 27, which restricts the use of the external courtyard, was not part of the variation request, leading to confusion.

Given the late hour and the complexity of the representations, particularly regarding noise and the use of the courtyard, the committee decided to defer their decision for up to five working days to allow for further deliberation. The decision will be notified to the applicant and all parties within five working days.