The Licensing Sub Committee A was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Bel'Ivoire, located at 5 Eros House, Brownhill Road, SE6 2EF. The committee was also due to review the minutes from previous meetings and address any declarations of interest from members.

Bel'Ivoire Premises Licence Application

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the application for a new premises licence for Bel'Ivoire, a proposed Afro-fusion bar and restaurant at 5 Eros House, Brownhill Road, SE6 2EF. The application proposed operating hours for the supply of alcohol from 11:00 to 00:30 Monday to Thursday, and 11:00 to 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Late night refreshment was proposed from 23:00 to 01:00 Monday to Thursday, extending to 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Recorded and live music were scheduled to be available from 23:00 to 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application received objections from the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

The Metropolitan Police's objection highlighted concerns about the potential impact of late operating hours on local residents, particularly regarding noise, public transport use by intoxicated patrons, and the area's existing issues with substance misuse and violent crime. They recommended reduced hours, with a proposed closing time of 23:00 Monday to Thursday and 01:00 on Fridays and Sundays. The police also put forward a set of recommended conditions, some of which were already included in the applicant's proposals, focusing on CCTV, staff training, noise limitation, and age verification.

The Licensing Authority's objection also raised concerns that the proposed hours might not uphold the licensing objectives. They suggested amendments to the hours, proposing earlier closing times for live and recorded music, alcohol sales, and late-night refreshment, particularly on Sundays.

The applicant, Bel'ivoire Limited, had proposed a number of conditions within their operating schedule to promote the licensing objectives. These included staff training on responsible alcohol sales, a Challenge 25 policy, a functioning CCTV system, and measures to manage waste and noise. The application also detailed plans for the premises, describing a two-floor setup with a ground-floor restaurant and lounge, and a basement for acoustic events and private functions.

The committee was to consider these representations and the applicant's proposed conditions before determining the application. The available options for the committee included granting the licence as applied for, granting it with modified conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a designated premises supervisor, or refusing the application entirely.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The committee was scheduled to review and confirm the minutes from previous meetings of the Licensing Committee held on 27 August 2025 and 23 October 2025. The minutes from the 27 August meeting detailed the determination of a premises licence application for Blackheath Fireworks, which was resolved to be agreed. The minutes from the 23 October meeting covered the determination of a premises licence application for Grand Empire, which was resolved to be refused.

Declarations of Interest

Members were asked to declare any personal interests they might have in any of the items on the agenda, in accordance with the Council's Member Code of Conduct.