Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has approved a new premises licence for Rind Abbeville, located at 27 Abbeville Road, SW4, with several conditions attached. The decision was made during a meeting held on Friday, August 7, 2026.

The application sought authorisation for live music, recorded music, and the supply of alcohol for both on and off-sales. During the consultation period, the applicant engaged with responsible authorities and interested parties, leading to amendments to the original proposal.

These amendments included reduced hours for live music and alcohol sales, revised opening hours, and the withdrawal of a request for late-night refreshment. Despite these concessions, two representations from residents remained outstanding.

The primary concerns raised by residents, particularly those living directly above the premises, focused on the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. These centred on potential noise disturbances from music, customer activity, and the use of an external seating area.

Beyond general noise and disorder, the outstanding resident representations highlighted concerns about potential noise and vibration travelling through the building structure due to a lack of information regarding sound insulation. Residents also worried about the impact of customers congregating outside, smoking, and dispersing at closing time, affecting their ability to sleep and peacefully enjoy their homes. The sale of alcohol and late-night operation were seen as increasing the risk of anti-social behaviour and disorder in the immediate vicinity. A fundamental change in the nature and intensity of activity directly beneath residential accommodation was also cited, as the premises previously operated as a retail unit without an alcohol licence, live music, or late-night operation. The detrimental effect on the desirability and value of neighbouring properties due to late-evening operation was also a concern, alongside the ongoing disturbance from customers leaving to smoke outside.

The committee approved the licence with the following conditions:

  • No open containers are to be taken off-site. The applicant stated that We sell everything sealed and we sell everything in a bag, aiming to prevent customers from buying alcohol to consume on the street.
  • The external seating area is to be managed separately from the licensed premises. The intended purpose of this area is for seated, cheese and wine consumption, described as a replica of the inside. It was agreed that no patrons shall use the external seating area after 21:30, and no drinks shall be permitted outside after 21:30. All tables and chairs in the external area will be rendered unusable from that time. Management will be monitored through staff presence and active management of customer dispersal.
  • The amended hours, as detailed on page 18 of the meeting papers, will be adhered to. These hours are:
    • Live Music (Indoors): Thursday: 19:00 - 21:00, Friday: 19:00 - 21:00, Saturday: 19:00 - 21:00, Sunday: 19:00 - 21:00.
    • Recorded Music (Indoors): Monday - Thursday: 11:00 - 22:00, Friday - Saturday: 11:00 - 23:00, Sunday: 10:00 - 21:30.
    • Supply of Alcohol (On and Off Sales): Monday - Thursday: 11:00 - 22:00, Friday - Saturday: 11:00 - 23:00, Sunday: 10:00 - 21:30.
    • Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00 - 22:30, Friday - Saturday: 11:00 - 23:30, Sunday: 11:00 - 21:30.

The anticipated live music is described as low-level acoustic music, jazz, background musicians and small live performances ancillary to the primary operation of the wine bar. Any live music will be limited in scale and appropriate to the intimate nature and residential location of the premises, with performances taking place entirely within the premises with doors and windows kept closed during regulated entertainment, save for access and egress. Recorded music will be background only and managed so that it is not audible within nearby residential premises.

The decision aims to promote the licensing objectives while addressing the concerns raised by local residents. For more details, see the Public reports pack.