Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)
Lewisham Council recently granted a premises licence but refused to appoint a Designated Premises Supervisor, preventing the establishment from trading.
Lewisham Council's Licensing Sub-Committee B granted a premises licence for The Railway Tavern in October 2026, but refused to appoint a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for the establishment. This decision means the premises cannot legally trade until a qualified individual is appointed to the role, as stipulated by the committee. The business will remain closed until a DPS is appointed.
A Designated Premises Supervisor is a legally required role for licensed premises in the UK, responsible for the day-to-day management of the premises and ensuring compliance with licensing laws. Councils consider the appointment of a DPS as part of the licensing process, with the Lewisham committee approving the licence but making its operation conditional on a DPS appointment. No specific upcoming council discussions on DPS are currently scheduled.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council's Licensing Sub-Committee B refused to appoint a Designated Premises Supervisor for The Railway Tavern in October 2026. Source
- The Railway Tavern cannot legally trade until a qualified Designated Premises Supervisor is appointed. Source
- Lewisham Council granted a premises licence for The Railway Tavern on October 6, 2026. Source
- The Licensing Sub-Committee B met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, to consider the application. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 7 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.