The Millwall Cafe on Bolina Road has been granted a licence to sell alcohol daily, a decision made by Lewisham Council despite formal objections from Millwall Football Club and the Metropolitan Police. The approval comes with strict match day conditions ahead of the club's next home game against Derby on Saturday. Millwall, currently 13th in the Championship with 15 points from 12 games, are preparing for that fixture following a 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth last week.
The council's licensing sub-committee granted the premises licence this week, allowing the café to sell alcohol from 10am to 11pm, Monday through Sunday. The decision was subject to three specific conditions for days when Millwall are playing at The Den. A Security Industry Authority-registered door supervisor must be on duty from two hours before kick-off until the crowd has dispersed. A six-foot Heras fence must also be erected around the café's outdoor seating area, and no alcohol can be sold during the 60 minutes before and after a match kicks off.
Objections Over Safety and Disorder
Millwall FC, the Metropolitan Police, and the local licensing authority all submitted objections, citing fears of increased anti-social behaviour and disorder. Ali Hossin Moramazy, Head of Operations and Safety Officer at Millwall FC, warned that the licence could create a dangerous flashpoint. "Additional alcohol-led congregation close to the stadium, including by away supporters, increases the potential for disorder and places further demand on police and club resources," Moramazy said.
Police officers echoed these concerns, stating that alcohol sales so close to the ground on match days could worsen crowd trouble and strain resources. The club also raised an issue with the café's trading name, suggesting it could mislead the public into believing it is officially affiliated with Millwall Football Club.
Context for the Upcoming Fixture
The timing of the licence grant is significant as Millwall prepare to host Derby County at The Den. The team's recent form has been mixed, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five outings, a sequence reflected in their mid-table position. Key players like T. Arconte and C. De Norre remain sidelined, adding to the challenges for the squad. Supporters will be hoping for a positive result to improve upon their current record of 19 goals scored and 20 conceded this season.
The council's ruling means the café's new alcohol sales policy will be in effect for the Derby match and beyond, under the agreed restrictions. The final condition of the licence requires the premises to refuse alcohol to any individual who has been ejected from a match at The Den.
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