The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council was scheduled to consider three applications related to premises licences. These included two applications for the variation of existing licences and one application for the review of a premises licence.

AR Norwood Food and Wine - 182 Norwood Road, London SE27 9AU (Variation)

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation application for AR Norwood Food and Wine, an off-licence located in a local centre shopping parade. The applicant sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to permit the provision of late-night refreshment between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am daily. Additionally, the applicant proposed to amend two existing conditions on the premises licence: Condition 8, which currently stipulates that single cans or bottles of beer, lager, or cider must be sold in multiples of four, and Condition 20, which requires alcohol to be secured behind locked grilles or screens outside of alcohol sale hours. The proposed variation to Condition 8 would remove the minimum purchase requirement, and the variation to Condition 20 would alter the screening requirements.

The Licensing Authority submitted a representation raising concerns that the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate how the proposed changes would avoid negatively impacting the licensing objectives. The policy context provided indicates that for off-licences in local centres, recommended hours are typically until 11:00 pm, with takeaway premises generally closing by midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant's request for 24-hour alcohol sales and late-night refreshment until 5:00 am significantly exceeds these recommended hours.

La Vuelta - 45 Tulse Hill, London SW2 2TJ (Variation)

The meeting was scheduled to discuss a variation application for La Vuelta, a restaurant situated in a local centre/shopping parade. The applicant, Stars Square LTD, sought to extend the authorised hours for the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption and the premises' opening hours. The proposed variation would allow alcohol sales from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 12:00 pm to 12:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposed opening hours would be from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 7:30 am to 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also sought to add late-night refreshment between 11:00 pm and 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ten representations were received against this application, including those from the Licensing Authority, the Regulatory Services & Technical Environmental Health Team, and eight residents. These representations highlighted concerns regarding noise breakout from the venue, particularly due to loud music, and the potential negative impact of the proposed extended hours on the licensing objectives. The Lambeth Licensing Policy recommends terminal hours of 11:00 pm for restaurants in residential areas. Several representations also noted that the premises' planning permission, granted in 1989, forbids operating between midnight and 7:00 am, and that the earlier hours would always apply in case of a variance between licensing and planning permissions.

Aquarium Tapas Bar - 415 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2JP (Review)

The committee was scheduled to consider a review application for the premises licence of Aquarium Tapas Bar, which is described as a bar/nightclub. The review was submitted by the Metropolitan Police, citing concerns that the Premises Licence Holder has failed to promote the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, and public safety.

The review application detailed several incidents, including an argument on 26 February 2023, during which a patron was allegedly threatened with a firearm outside the premises at 5:20 am, beyond the permitted operating hours of 4:00 am. Following this, the designated premises supervisor, Jorge De Freitas, agreed to voluntarily submit an application to reduce the terminal hour to 2:00 am, but this application was not submitted. Further, on 2 March 2025, police attended the premises to investigate an alleged assault and found the venue to be operating beyond its permitted hours. A meeting on 1 April 2025 with Mr De Freitas reportedly revealed admissions of several breaches of licence conditions and difficulties in ensuring patrons left at the stipulated terminal hour. The Licensing Authority also submitted a representation in support of the review, stating a lack of confidence in the management and operation of the premises. However, two representations were received in support of the premises, from a member of the public and a petition signed by eight individuals, stating no concerns about the operation and its impact on the area. The current licence authorises recorded music until midnight daily, performances of dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol until 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight from Sunday to Thursday.