The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for a Co-op store. The application was refused due to concerns about the potential for increased crime, disorder, and public nuisance in nearby areas.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Co-op, 57B Clarence Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1RB

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for the Co-op store located at 57B Clarence Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1RB. The application sought to authorise the retail sale of alcohol for off-site consumption, Monday to Sunday, between 07:00 and 23:00. A key aspect of the proposal was that the premises would close to the public at 19:00 daily, with alcohol sales between 19:00 and 23:00 exclusively for online deliveries.

The application had initially received representations from the Metropolitan Police concerning the prevention of crime and disorder, and from Trading Standards regarding the protection of children from harm. However, following mediation, the applicant made amendments to their operating schedule, which satisfied these concerns, leading to the withdrawal of their representations.

A valid representation was also received from an Other Person, who raised concerns relating to all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. This representation highlighted the premises' location within a police Hexagon area identified for high crime, and expressed doubts about the applicant's track record and control over delivery partners.

The applicant's representative explained that this Co-op was a new type of micro store focused on convenience items and grab and go food, with alcohol sales being a secondary offering. They detailed robust systems and staff training for age-restricted sales and emphasised that the proposed conditions were extensive and designed to mitigate risks. The representative also addressed the concerns raised by the Other Person, stating the applicant had a strong track record and that the Hexagon area designation was not as exclusive as suggested. They also pointed to proposed conditions regarding delivery agent behaviour and the storage of alcohol in a small cabinet to limit access.

Despite the applicant's assurances and proposed conditions, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application. Their reasoning centred on the premises' proximity to areas known for street drinking and anti-social behaviour, including the River Thames towpath, Canbury Gardens, the Eagle Brewery Wharf PSPO area, the War Memorial Gardens, and the Ancient Market and Apple Market. The Sub-Committee was concerned that granting the licence would exacerbate existing problems of street drinking, loitering, and anti-social behaviour, particularly given the grab and go nature of the proposed operation, which could lead to increased consumption in these public spaces.

Furthermore, the Sub-Committee expressed significant concern about the potential for increased public safety risks from delivery agents, particularly on bikes or motorbikes, in the pedestrianised town centre area. They felt that the proposed conditions regarding delivery agent behaviour were difficult to enforce effectively. The Sub-Committee also noted that while a nearby M&S store sold alcohol, it operated as a larger, family-oriented supermarket, unlike the proposed grab and go model.

The Sub-Committee concluded that even with additional conditions, the concerns regarding the cumulative impact on crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety could not be adequately addressed. They were advised by their Legal Advisor that it was open to them to refuse the licence based on evidence that the proposed premises would give rise to problems of public disorder that would undermine the licensing objectives, and that refusal was a proportionate response.

The decision to refuse the application was made in accordance with the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy and guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.