Wandsworth Council has granted Br3wery, a new bar in Furzedown, South London, permission to extend its opening hours, despite objections from neighbours over noise disturbance. The council imposed stricter conditions on the licence, including earlier closure times for the outdoor area and a requirement to follow a noise management plan.
Licence Extension and Conditions
The bar, located on Moyser Road, opened in February and is owned by Cadu Gomes and Tanja Kersting. It sells craft beer brewed by the business in Beckenham. The new licence allows alcohol sales until 10:30pm on Sundays to Thursdays, extending from the previous 9pm limit, and until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, extending from 10pm.
To address noise concerns, the council mandated that the rear garden area must close by 9pm on Sundays to Thursdays and by 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The business must also adhere to a noise management plan.
Neighbour Concerns and Objections
Residents living near the bar voiced their concerns at the council's licensing hearing on August 6. While many acknowledged the bar was well-run, they reported being disturbed by noise from customers in the garden every night. The application received 19 objections and three letters of support.
Labour councillor Leonie Cooper noted that the bar was popular locally but said, “I want it to be a successful bar because I think it’s really adding something to the area, but we do need to balance that with a definite noise nuisance that is now emanating mainly from the rear garden.”
Faith, a resident of 21 years, stated that the noise disrupted her family’s sleep and caused strain. “We think that extending the licensing and the opening hours will only unnecessarily extend that disturbance,” she said. “We didn’t choose to live near a bar. We are concerned about the impact on our wellbeing moving forward.”
Debbie Morey, who has lived locally for 43 years, opposed the extended hours, describing living near the venue as “like having... a nextdoor party every single night of the week.”
Business Perspective and Council Decision
Solicitor Sarah Louise Taylor, representing Br3wery, argued that the operators were responsible and aimed to run the bar profitably while maintaining good relations with the community. She highlighted conditions on the licence, including a phone number for residents to report issues.
“It’s very much, as you’ve heard, part of the community and what the operators are seeking is to maintain being part of that community and to apply for something that, ultimately, it’s a family business,” Taylor said. “The plan is for this to be passed down throughout generations, and ultimately not to not get on with the neighbours - it wouldn’t be in the operators' interests to do that.”
The licensing committee granted the application after agreeing on the noise-related conditions. The bar will now operate under the extended hours with the stipulated restrictions.
