A South London football club will be forced to shut its doors at 11pm during the World Cup, regardless of whether matches have finished. AFC Lewisham, based in Eltham, had requested an extension to its clubhouse opening hours until 11:30pm throughout the tournament and for an additional 12 days, allowing members to watch later games. The club also sought flexibility at Gresham Sports Ground if matches overran.
Licensing Decision
Greenwich Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee B considered the application on June 9 and granted an extension but insisted the clubhouse must close at 11pm, even if a game is still ongoing. Several nearby residents objected, with one claiming she had “suffered” through previous events. A former councillor argued the club was “incompatible” with the community.
Club's Position
AFC Lewisham club secretary Josephine Mayendesa told the committee the application aimed to let members socialise and watch World Cup games together. She noted the club does not typically attract the public. Chairman Phillemon Mashaga assured that staff would control noise levels and highlighted recent soundproofing improvements. “They’ll be basically coming to watch football and when it's done they will all go home quietly and peacefully,” he said.
Ms Mayendesa added that CCTV is in place, staff remind patrons to keep voices down, and IDs are checked to prevent underage drinking. “We do take measures to make sure that we don’t upset our neighbours,” she said. The extra 12 days were requested to host events like funerals without applying for Temporary Event Notices.
Resident Concerns
Cllr Sandra Bauer spoke for affected residents, stating: “This is not an objection to the club existing, nor to the positive role it can play in the community. My concern is that the events currently being hosted are already causing serious disruption.” She claimed patrons parked on driveways, blocking residents in, and complained of early morning noise, music, and fireworks.
Local resident Marica Douglas said she had “suffered” due to events and worried about a beer garden opening from 10am near Trinity School’s playing field, used by 100 children daily. The club said it would not open the beer garden when children are present and would only sell alcohol from 3:30pm.
Former councillor David Sullivan noted AFC Lewisham was the only club in the area he received complaints about, despite nearby clubs. He said promises were “never adhered to” and suggested the club’s proximity to homes made it “incompatible” with the community.
Outcome
The committee extended closing time from 9:30pm to 11pm until July 31, accepting the club is an “established venue” but fearing a later licence would worsen residents’ problems.
