The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to convene on Thursday 20 November 2025. The primary item on the agenda was a review of the premises licence for the Bermondsey Arts Club, following an application for review submitted by an other person .

Review of Bermondsey Arts Club Premises Licence

The meeting was scheduled to consider an application for a review of the premises licence for the Bermondsey Arts Club, located at 102a Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 4TP. The review was requested on the grounds of concerns relating to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

The report pack detailed that the review application was submitted following numerous issues, including interventions by regulatory authorities dating back to July 2023. The applicant cited persistent antisocial behaviour and disorder, littering, public drunkenness, aggressive conduct, and loud music spilling into the street as reasons for the review. Specific concerns were raised about patrons loitering outside the premises, leaving rubbish, shouting, playing music, fighting, and drinking, which reportedly turned the corner of Grange Road into a hotspot for nuisance and crime . The applicant also highlighted two incidents of staff fly-tipping large appliances onto the street as evidence of a disregard for the neighbourhood.

The report pack indicated that the Metropolitan Police Service had submitted a representation supporting the review, citing a list of incidents associated with the premises over the preceding two years. Additionally, six representations from other persons supported the review, while one representation opposed it. These representations echoed concerns about antisocial behaviour, disorder, nuisance to residents, and compromised public safety, along with repeated breaches of licence conditions.

The premises licence for Bermondsey Arts Club allows for various licensable activities, including live and recorded music, performance of dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol, with opening hours extending to 4:00 am on Sundays and 04:00 on Saturdays. The report pack also outlined the premises' licensing history, including previous variations to the licence and details of complaints received.

The sub-committee was to consider the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, which requires licensing authorities to promote four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, the promotion of public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report pack detailed the steps the sub-committee could take, including modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking it.

The report also referenced the Southwark Council Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, which provides guidance on determining licensing applications and considers issues such as location, management standards, and condition setting. The sub-committee was reminded of its quasi-judicial capacity, requiring it to act impartially and base its decision solely on licensing law, guidance, and the council's statement of licensing policy.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as receiving apologies, confirming voting members, notifying urgent items, and disclosing interests.