The Licensing Sub-Committee for Bromley Council convened to consider a new premises licence application for Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca and objections to the application. Councillors were asked to consider Bromley's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030, as well as written and oral submissions from both the applicant and those objecting.

Here's a breakdown of the key items included in the report pack:

Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca - New Premises Licence Application

Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca, located at 86-90 High Street, Beckenham, BR3 1ED, submitted an application for a new premises licence. The application requested:

• Opening hours:
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 00:30
  • Friday & Saturday - 10:00 to 01:30
• Sale of alcohol:
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 00:00
  • Friday & Saturday - 10:00 to 00:30
• Late night refreshment:
  • Sunday to Thursday - 23:00 to 00:30
  • Friday & Saturday - 23:00 to 01:00
• Recorded music:
  • Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 00:00
  • Friday & Saturday - 10:00 to 01:00

The applicant also requested that all of the above activities be permitted on New Year's Eve from the end of permitted hours on New Year's Eve to the start of permitted hours on the following day, and that permitted hours be extended until 1am on any day immediately preceding a bank holiday and St David's day.

The report pack included the conditions that the applicant was proposing to add to the licence, including the installation of a CCTV system, the maintenance of an incident register, and the operation of a Challenge 25¹ scheme.

A CCTV system will be installed and maintained at the premises covering all entrances and exits, and areas outside of the premises. Recordings shall be stored for a minimum of 28 days and CCTV images shall be retrieved in a digital format and supplied to a police or council officer following a reasonable request.

The report pack noted that the council had received 9 objections and 13 representations supporting the application.

Objections from Responsible Authorities and Councillors

Objections to the application were received from several responsible authorities², including:

• The Metropolitan Police, who, despite acknowledging previous Covid restriction breaches, did not object on the grounds of crime and disorder, but did object on the grounds of public nuisance. The police stated that the application did not include measures applied by the licensing sub-committee at a hearing on 12th March 2025, including the removal of live and recorded music as a licensable activity, and the installation of CCTV covering the internal dining area and recording audio.
• The Planning Authority, who cited two pending enforcement cases related to the site.
• The Statutory Nuisance & Anti-Social Behaviour Team, who raised concerns about the potential for public nuisance due to loud amplified music emanating from the premises.
• Licensing as a Responsible Authority, who cited a history of the business failing to promote licensing objectives, and a failure to engage with authorities.

Two ward councillors, Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross and Councillor Will Connolly, also objected to the application, raising concerns about noise complaints from residents.

Representations from Residents

Several residents submitted representations, both objecting to and supporting the application.

Those objecting raised concerns about:

• Public nuisance and late-night disturbances
• The suitability of the existing venue, particularly the southern extension
• Unsafe parking
• The impact on community well-being
• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The protection of children from harm

Those supporting the application emphasised the restaurant's positive contribution to the community and local economy, its professional management, and its high standards.

Licensing History and Context

The report pack noted the licensing history of Pierluigi's, including numerous instances of engagement with the business regarding noise complaints and breaches of the premises licence. These included fixed penalty notices for breaches of Covid restrictions, a prohibition notice, a noise abatement notice, and a review of the premises licence in August 2022.

The premises was also subject to a previous licensing review on 7 December 2022, and another on 29 January 2025, which was currently subject to appeal at the Magistrates Court.

The report pack also included additional police information submitted following a request for an adjournment, relating to an alleged serious sexual assault at the premises on 22 June 2025.