Residents living near Br3wey, a craft beer bar in Furzedown, South London, have raised concerns over plans to extend its opening hours, saying the venue's garden has become a source of nightly noise disturbance. The bar, which opened in February, has applied for a new premises licence to sell alcohol until 10.30pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, extending the current limits of 9pm and 10pm respectively.
Objections and Support at Licensing Hearing
At Wandsworth Council's licensing hearing on August 6, objectors acknowledged that the business, owned by Cadu and Tanja Kersting, is well run and popular, but they argued that noise from customers in the garden has negatively impacted their daily lives. The application received 19 objections and three letters of support, according to the hearing.
Labour councillor Leonie Cooper noted the bar's popularity but stressed the need to address the noise nuisance emanating from the rear garden. "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," she said.
Residents Describe Impact on Wellbeing
Faith, a resident of 21 years, said the noise has disturbed 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, adding, "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, compared living near the venue to "having a nextdoor party every single night of the week," and voiced opposition to the extended hours.
Business Seeks Balance with Community
Solicitor Sarah Louise Taylor, representing the business, said the operators are responsible and open to measures suggested by residents, such as raising the garden fencing to reduce noise. She emphasized that conditions on the licence, including a contact phone number for locals, would ensure the bar is managed well. "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," she said, noting the intention to pass the business down through generations.
The council's decision on the application is expected to be published this week.
