The Licensing Committee convened to address several key items, including the approval of minutes from previous meetings, adjustments to sub-committee memberships, and a decision regarding a premises licence application. The committee approved the minutes from the meetings held on 21 and 23 July 2025. Additionally, Councillor Rachel Onikosi was appointed to Licensing Sub-Committee D, replacing Councillor Natasha Burgess, and Councillor Kim Powell was nominated to the Licensing Urgency Sub-committee, replacing Councillor Bill Brown.

Unit 8 Titan Business Estate, Ffinch Street, SE8 5QA

The committee granted a premises licence to Unit 8 Titan Business Estate, Ffinch Street, SE8 5QA, with modified hours and additional conditions.

Mark Walker, the applicant, proposed a new family-run music venue and bar beneath Deptford Railway Station. The venue aims to provide a platform for local artists and foster a welcoming social environment. Walker addressed concerns about noise by detailing the installation of a sound wall and his collaboration with licensing authorities and the fire brigade. He also expressed a willingness to work with local stakeholders to ensure the venue serves Deptford's cultural and social needs without disrupting the surrounding area.

Several objectors raised concerns about noise levels, disruptive behaviour, and the potential for public nuisance. One objector, who was not named in the provided documentation, presented slides illustrating the location of the premises in relation to nearby residential areas such as Flamingo Court and Finch Street, highlighting how the building layout and railway platform could funnel noise towards residential blocks. They also noted that noise from the venue was audible inside homes, especially with open doors, and that post-event street noise continued for up to an hour after events ended.

Another objector, who was also not named in the provided documentation, described Ffinch Street as a quiet, mixed-use street and expressed concerns that a permanent licence would worsen noise and anti-social behaviour, potentially making living conditions intolerable. They also raised concerns about patrons leaving the venue with alcohol and continuing to drink on Deptford High Street.

In response to these concerns, Walker stated that patrons were not allowed to leave the venue with drinks and that security staff were hired to enforce this. He also mentioned attempts to contact one of the objectors to discuss their concerns. Walker referenced other local establishments with late operating hours, including Jam's Circus, Yazoo, and Buster Mantis.

The committee decided to grant the premises licence with the following modifications:

• Hours Modified:
  • Sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises: Monday to Thursday 12:00 – 23:00, Friday to Saturday 12:00 – 00:00
  • Closure of Premises: Monday to Thursday 23:30, Friday to Saturday 00:30
  • Live and Recorded Music: Friday to Saturday to 00:30
  • Seasonal Variation: Any day preceding a bank holiday to follow Friday and Saturday hours.
• Additional Conditions:
  • A dispersal policy to prevent people from hanging around the venue upon closing must be in place within one month or by the time the premises operates under the licence, whichever is sooner.
  • A direct telephone number for the manager at the premises shall be publicly available at all times the premises is open and made available to residents and businesses in the vicinity.

Appointments to Licensing Sub-Committees

The committee agreed to appoint Councillor Onikosi to Licensing Sub-Committee D, replacing Councillor Burgess. This decision rectified an omission from the previous meeting on 13 August 2025, ensuring that all members of the Licensing Committee are assigned to a sub-committee. The Appointments to Sub-Committees report outlined that this adjustment aligns with Lewisham's corporate priorities, particularly building an inclusive local economy and safer communities, and adheres to the Licensing Act 2003¹ and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-25.