A newly opened multi-purpose venue in Catford, South London, has been given the green light to host a New Year's Eve celebration stretching into the early hours of New Year's Day, after councillors approved a special late licence.
Council Overrules Police Objections
Grand Empire, located at 108-110 Rushey Green, successfully secured two Temporary Event Notices (TENs) from Lewisham Council's Licensing Sub Committee. The decisions came during a meeting on Thursday, December 18, despite formal objections raised by the Metropolitan Police.
The police had opposed the applications on grounds of crime prevention and public safety. Their concern stemmed from a previous event at the venue where door staff reportedly used a clicker indicating 470 people were inside. This was nearly double the 250-person capacity stipulated on the earlier TEN for the ground floor banqueting suite.
Venue's Defence and Committee's Verdict
Representing Grand Empire, legal representative David Dadds argued that there had been no incidents of crime, disorder, or drunkenness linked to the venue. He stated that Environmental Health had not objected and there had been no public complaints or arrests.
Addressing the capacity issue, Mr Dadds explained that the door staff had been counting both entries and exits. He claimed the system ensured a 'one in, one out' policy was maintained once 240 people were inside, meaning the venue was never technically over capacity.
PC Gillian Pearce of the Met's Licensing Team maintained that the figure of 470 people "arouses suspicion" as it was not what was declared on the TEN. However, following private deliberations, the council committee approved both applications.
What the Licence Means for Revellers
The approved licences permit Grand Empire to operate under extended hours for two key periods:
- From 12.01am to 4am on Saturday, December 27.
- From 8pm on Saturday, December 27 through to 4am on Sunday, December 28.
- Most significantly, from New Year's Eve through to 4am on New Year's Day (January 1).
The venue, which opened to the public earlier this month, features a restaurant, grill, events space and a rooftop shisha bar. Mr Dadds assured the committee that going forward, police or officials visiting would be given both entry and exit clicker numbers to ensure total transparency.
The approvals mean the New Year's Eve party and the other late-night events will now go ahead as planned, offering south London residents a local option to see in 2026.
