Agenda and decisions

Rubys 104-106 Rushey Green, London, SE6 4HW

Lewisham LBC, Licensing Committee

6 September 2023

DECISION NOTICE

1.    Rubys Events Ltd (“the Applicant”) has applied for a premises licence for Ruby’s 104-106 Rushey Green, London, SE6 4HW (“the Premises”).  The application seeks authorisation for the sale by retail of alcohol on the premises 7 days per week between 11:00 and 04:30 Provision of Live music, Recorded music and Dance (indoor) between 11:00 and 04:30, and for late night refreshment between 23:00 and 05:00.

2.    Relevant representations were received from three Responsible Authorities; The Police, London Fire Brigade and the Licensing Authority. The Licensing Committee held a hearing on 6 September 2023 to consider the application.

3.    The agent for the applicant said that the application contained a list of measures that were comprehensive and robust and would be conditions on the licence if granted. It had been noted that the fire brigade had concerns about the fire exits, so an additional stairway would be fitted in order to meet fire service requirement. In addition, a fire risk assessment would be submitted to the fire service prior to licensable activity taking place.

4.    Lewisham Licensing Policy referred to preferred licensing hours, but the agent reminded members that they could agree to later opening hours. However, the applicant did not agree with some of the conditions recommended by the licensing authority. It was considered unreasonable, for example that 12 door supervisors must be employed when the premises was open.

5.    The agent said that the concerns expressed regarding crime and disorder in the area was the responsibility of the Police not the applicant. Residents had not objected to the application.

6.    The Police referred to the Statement of Licensing Policy which expects the application to demonstrate, in the operating schedule, how to promote the four licensing objectives before submitting an application. As a matter of principle, fire assessment work should be done before granting the licence. There was no evidence in the application of an operating plan or any consultation in advance with responsible authorities.

7.    The capacity of the premises was given on the spot to police without prior consideration, and concern was expressed about whether the building would be safe with the proposed 500 patrons on the roof terrace.

8.    The Police considered the overheads to be huge and believed that the premises would need to be run at capacity if the business was to be viable. The applicant did not know if he would be able to run a viable business. Police were concerned that the impact on residents had not been considered, particularly if Uber vehicles had to queue in residential areas for patrons leaving in the early hours of the morning.

9.    The Fire Service had concerns about the capacity of the premises and the number and width of fire exits.

10. The Local Authority considered all the proposed conditions to be necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives. 12 SIA staff would be required  ...  view the full decision text for item 3.