Beckenham restaurant faces noise complaints amid licence bid
A Beckenham restaurant, Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca, is facing objections to its new premises licence application due to concerns about noise and public nuisance. Bromley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee convened on 12 August 2025, to consider the application and objections, with ward councillors and responsible authorities raising concerns.
The restaurant, located at 86-90 High Street, Beckenham, is situated on the ground floor of a detached building approximately 40 metres from the junction with Manor Road and Kelsey Park Road in Beckenham Town Centre. The location includes residential accommodation above the restaurant, as well as other commercial and residential properties nearby.
Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca has applied for a new licence to allow:
- Opening hours until 00:30 Sunday to Thursday and 01:30 Friday and Saturday.
- The sale of alcohol until 00:00 Sunday to Thursday and 00:30 Friday and Saturday.
- Late night refreshment until 00:30 Sunday to Thursday and 01:00 Friday and Saturday.
- Recorded music until 00:00 Sunday to Thursday and 01:00 Friday and Saturday.
The application also requests extended hours for New Year's Eve and days preceding bank holidays and St David's Day.
However, the application has met with resistance. The Metropolitan Police have objected on the grounds of public nuisance, noting that the application does not include measures previously applied by the licensing sub-committee, such as the removal of live and recorded music as a licensable activity and the installation of CCTV covering the internal dining area and recording audio. The Planning Authority and the Statutory Nuisance & Anti-Social Behaviour Team also raised concerns about potential public nuisance.
Two ward councillors, Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross and Councillor Will Connolly, have also objected, citing noise complaints from residents. Residents have submitted representations both objecting to and supporting the application. Those objecting raised concerns about public nuisance, late-night disturbances, and the suitability of the venue. Supporters emphasised the restaurant's positive contribution to the community and local economy.
The council report pack details a history of engagement with Pierluigi's regarding noise complaints and breaches of its premises licence, including fixed penalty notices for breaches of Covid restrictions, a prohibition notice, a noise abatement notice, and previous licensing reviews. The licensing history includes two fixed penalty notices issued in December 2020, a Prohibition Notice served on 21 April 2021, and a £1000 fixed penalty notice issued on 11 May 2021, all related to contraventions of Covid restrictions. The premises was subject to a previous licensing review on 7 December 2022, and another on 29 January 2025, which is currently subject to appeal at the Magistrates Court. The outcome of the 7 December 2022 hearing is available in appendix 3.
The Licensing Sub-Committee, comprised of Councillors Christine Harris, Melanie Stevens and Pauline Tunnicliffe, is tasked with determining the application, taking into account Bromley's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030 and representations from all parties. The Sub-Committee is required to consider the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030, as well as written and oral representations by the applicant and objectors. The Sub-Committee can grant the licence, grant it with additional conditions, exclude licensable activities, refuse to specify a premises supervisor, or reject the application.
