Southwark Council's Licensing Sub-Committee is considering an application for a premises licence for The Grand Lounge on the Old Kent Road, following objections from the Metropolitan Police and the council's environmental protection team. The public was given an opportunity to voice their concerns through representations, but no representations from other persons were received.

Grand Empire Group Limited has applied for a premises licence for The Grand Lounge, a proposed bar and restaurant on the first floor of 777 Old Kent Road. The application requests opening hours until 03:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. The Metropolitan Police and the council's environmental protection team have raised concerns about potential crime, disorder and public nuisance. The council's environmental protection team also raised concerns about the potential impact of noise and traffic on residents in Sylvan Grove.

To mitigate these concerns, Grand Empire Group Limited has proposed several measures, including:

  • Installing a permanent sound-limiting device calibrated by a professionally certified sound/acoustic engineer.
  • Installing a digital CCTV system that records at all times the premises are in use.
  • Training all relevant staff in their responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003.
  • Displaying signage requesting customers to leave quietly and not consume alcohol in the vicinity.
  • Employing SIA registered door supervisors after 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Implementing a zero-tolerance drugs and weapons policy.
  • Maintaining a challenge 25 scheme.
  • Adopting a dispersal policy to assist patrons in leaving in an orderly and safe manner.

The full list of proposed conditions can be found in the Public reports pack, APPENDIX A, Schedule of proposed conditions consistent with the operating Schedule.

Metropolitan Police logo, representing their objection to the licensing applications.
Metropolitan Police logo, representing their objection to the licensing applications.

PC Mark Lynch, Licensing Officer for the Metropolitan Police, objected to the application, noting that a similar venue (The Empire Lounge) already operated on the ground floor and had over the years eroded the policy hours 1. He raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, parking issues and the cumulative impact of another venue with a capacity of 250 people. He stated that the control measures offered by the applicant were not robust enough and that granting the licence would negatively impact the prevention of crime and disorder.

Map showing the location of 777 Old Kent Road, London, the site of the licensing applications.
Map showing the location of 777 Old Kent Road, London, the site of the licensing applications.

The council's environmental protection team also objected, citing concerns about public nuisance, noting that the existing premises on the ground floor had generated complaints from local residents related to loud amplified music and noise from patrons and dispersal.

They also raised concerns about the lack of planning permission for a night club or drinking establishment on the first floor. The last lawful consent appeared to be a B1 (office) use (now use class E(g)). The report also notes that Southwark's Licensing Policy states: 'it is strongly recommended that applications for premises licences for permanent commercial premises should normally be from businesses with relevant planning consent for the property concerned…the Council may expect the Applicant to address the reasons why planning permission had not been firstly sought and / or granted and provide reasons as to why licensing consent should be'.

Richard Earis, Principal Environmental Protection Officer, said:

EPT do not believe this residential location is suitable for 3 venues with a combined capacity of over 750 people and the potential for 3 separate simultaneous events with regulated entertainment to take place.

He was referring to the existing ground floor venue (The Empire Lounge), the proposed venue on the first floor (The Grand Lounge) and the proposed venue on the second floor (Grand Empire).

The Licensing Sub-Committee is due to consider the application at a meeting on Thursday 14 August 2025. The agenda and reports pack are available to view online.

  1. The meeting information does not specify the exact 'policy hours' that the police claim have been eroded. However, it does state that the existing ground floor venue has over the years eroded the policy hours .