On Tuesday 17th December a meeting of the Lambeth Licensing Sub-Committee decided to refuse a new premises licence to the refurbished White Sands venue (previously South Beach Bar) on Brixton Hill. The application was made by the owner of the property, and local restauranteur, Mr Khan. It asked to provide a variety of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment Monday to Sunday 9am to midnight, and also supply of alcohol Monday to Sunday 9am to 11pm. Twenty two representations, including one from the Metropolitan Police, relating to the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance, public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder had been received prior to the meeting.
Among the evidence was news that the venue had been advertised on the Estates Gazette website under the description ‘Pubs/Bars/Clubs’ with an annual rent of £110,000. In conclusion, the committee felt that the operating schedule, though extensive, had not been properly considered by the applicant given his admitted ignorance of its specific terms. This suggested that Mr Khan had given scant consideration to how his business would be run, what risks were involved to the licensing objectives and how the schedule would mitigate them. The committee also did not find credible his assertions about the way he proposed to operate the business and considered that granting the application as sought, risked undermining the licensing objectives.
Full minutes of the meeting can be found on the Lambeth Council web site >>