The Licensing Sub Committee A met on Thursday, 23 October 2025, to consider a new premises licence application for Grand Empire, located at 108-110 Rushey Green SE6 4HW. The committee decided to refuse the application for the new premises licence.

Grand Empire, 108-110 Rushey Green SE6 4HW

The Licensing Sub Committee A refused the application for a new Premises Licence for Grand Empire, located at 108-110 Rushey Green SE6 4HW. The applicant, Empire Lounge Services Ltd, had applied for a licence to include live and recorded music until 03:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, late-night refreshment until 03:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and alcohol sales for consumption on and off the premises until 03:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The decision to refuse the licence was based on several factors considered by the Sub-Committee. Firstly, the proposed operating hours were deemed significantly later than the preferred hours set out in the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy¹ for a town centre location and were considered inappropriate for the circumstances.

Secondly, the Sub-Committee found that the proposed uses for the first and second floors of the premises remained unclear. The plans submitted had not been updated to reflect the current or any future layout, making it impossible to determine what specific conditions, beyond those already offered by the applicant, would be necessary to promote the licensing objectives, particularly concerning public nuisance.

It was noted that the premises already held an existing licence (PL1480) and could continue to operate under its current terms.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, the Metropolitan Police, and a local Councillor, Councillor James-J Walsh. The Licensing Authority, represented by Richard Lockett, Safer Communities Senior Officer – Licensing, objected on the grounds that the proposed hours and lack of clarity on the premises' layout and future use would undermine the licensing objectives, particularly public nuisance. The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Gillian Pearce, also objected, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, particularly due to the proposed late hours and the premises' location in an area with existing challenges. Councillor Walsh's objection highlighted similar concerns regarding crime and disorder, public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm, also referencing the cumulative impact of late-night venues in the area.

The applicant's solicitor, David Dadds of Dadds LLP, presented arguments in support of the application, proposing a comprehensive set of conditions to uphold the licensing objectives. These included measures for CCTV, door supervision, noise limitation, dispersal policies, and age verification. The applicant's representatives argued that the proposed conditions, combined with the premises' existing licence and track record, would ensure compliance with all licensing objectives.

Despite the applicant's proposed conditions and arguments, the Sub-Committee concluded that the lack of clarity regarding the premises' intended use and layout, coupled with the extended hours requested, meant that the licensing objectives could not be adequately promoted.

There is a right of appeal against this decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of notification.