Beckenham Italian Restaurant Confronts Third License Review Amid Police CCTV Dispute
Pierluigi's Italian restaurant on Beckenham High Street is set for its third premises license review in three years, following Metropolitan Police criticism over its refusal to provide complete CCTV footage related to an alleged theft incident last December. Police have expressed serious concerns about the restaurant's management, citing a pattern of uncooperative behavior that hampers criminal investigations.
History of Licensing Battles and Neighborhood Complaints
The restaurant has been embroiled in licensing conflicts for over a year, initially stemming from neighbor complaints about late-night noise and weekend disturbances. These issues were linked to Pierluigi's vibe-dining business model, which features DJ-accompanied meals. Bromley Council previously deemed these events inappropriate for a residential area and imposed conditions restricting them after a December 2024 review.
Pierluigi's defended its operations, arguing that vibe-dining is crucial for financial viability, and appealed the council's decision to Bromley Magistrates' Court. The restaurant continues trading under its original terms pending the appeal outcome. Additionally, the restaurant faced criticism for sending cease-and-desist letters to residents who opposed its license, which the council condemned as threats and scare tactics.
Alleged Theft Incident and CCTV Refusal
The latest review stems from an alleged theft on December 6-7, 2025, where a woman reported her handbag stolen from the restaurant, leading to fraudulent use of her bank card. Police requested CCTV footage from 11:45 PM to 2:00 AM covering internal and external areas to investigate. Despite repeated requests, Pierluigi's provided only partial footage on December 22, showing just the front of the venue, which police deemed insufficient.
An email exchange between restaurant director Sofia Martin and PC Tina Dandridge revealed that staff reviewed footage and claimed all female guests left with bags, questioning whether the theft occurred on-site. Martin cited technical difficulties in downloading footage. When PC Dandridge visited in person on December 15, Martin handed her a phone with legal representative David Dadds, who demanded additional forms for access, delaying the investigation.
Police Concerns and Licensing Review
In its review application, the Met Police highlighted a lack of responsibility and engagement from Pierluigi's management, noting similar issues in June 2025 when the restaurant failed to provide CCTV for a reported sexual assault. Police also suggested the restaurant may have operated beyond licensed hours on the theft night, as it was required to cease alcohol sales at midnight and close by 12:30 AM.
Bromley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee will convene on Wednesday, February 25, to conduct the review, focusing on crime prevention objectives. This marks the third such review for Pierluigi's since 2022, underscoring ongoing tensions between the restaurant and local authorities.
Broader Implications for Restaurant Compliance
The case raises broader questions about business compliance with licensing regulations and cooperation with law enforcement. Police emphasize that timely access to CCTV is vital for investigating crimes and ensuring public safety. Pierluigi's repeated licensing struggles highlight the challenges of balancing commercial operations with community standards and legal obligations in residential areas.
As the review approaches, stakeholders await the committee's decision, which could impact the restaurant's ability to continue operating under its current model. The outcome may set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in Beckenham and beyond, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration between businesses and authorities.
