Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has granted a new premises licence for Milan Pizzeria, allowing it to serve late-night refreshments until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The decision, made on Thursday, March 12, 2026, overrides concerns that the requested hours fell outside the council's licensing policy.
The pizzeria, located at 143 South Lambeth Road, had initially applied for authorisation to operate from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM seven days a week. The council's licensing policy recommends closing times of midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 PM from Sundays to Thursdays for late-night refreshments.
Despite the policy, the applicant's agent, Mr. Olsen Daly, argued that Milan Pizzeria operates a materially lower risk model than the policy's general assumptions for late night takeaways.
He highlighted that the premises is a small pizza restaurant with limited public space, designed to accommodate no more than seven to ten persons at a time,
and is primarily delivery-led.
This, he contended, means it won't be a congregation point,
with no queues of customers
or groups waiting outside.
However, residents raised significant concerns about the potential impact of extended hours. They reported severe emotional distress caused by routine music playing until the early hours of the morning, impacting her and her children.
Further complaints included public urination and drug use affiliated with the premises
and noise so loud it vibrated through furniture and made sleep impossible.
One resident described the premises as operating more like a nightclub than a restaurant,
with many residents reluctant to complain due to the stress involved.
Lambeth Licensing Officer, Ms. Pam Riley, had initially objected due to the requested hours exceeding the policy's recommended closing times. Mr. Daly countered that while the local authority had made a representation against the application, there had been nothing from the police, and in respect of noise, there's been nothing from environmental health either.
Mr. Daly also noted that the application included comprehensive conditions for managing noise, litter, delivery activity, and congregation, such as CCTV, an incident log, driver delivery controls, and no outdoor sound.
Ultimately, the committee resolved to grant the application with amended hours. Milan Pizzeria will be open to the public from Sunday to Thursday between 11:00 PM and midnight, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM. An additional condition was added regarding waste disposal, stating that it shall not occur between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
The rationale for an exemption for food items in the waste disposal condition was to mitigate pest issues,
as the waste product from food items is an attraction for vermin.
The concern was that storing food waste internally could create a pest problem, so bins will be located right at the back
of the premises. The decision notice, which will be sent to the applicant within five working days, will include details on any appeal.
