The Licensing Sub-Committee of Merton Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for VJ's Off Licence. The meeting's agenda focused solely on this application, with no other items scheduled for discussion.

VJ's Off Licence Application

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the application for a new premises licence for VJ's Off Licence, located at 256 London Road, CR4 3HD. The premises is described as a shop selling stationery, mobile repairs, and household goods, with the applicant proposing to sell alcohol for off-site consumption.

The application was to be considered in light of Merton's Statement of Licensing Policy, particularly section 10 concerning Special Policy Areas. The premises falls within the Mitcham Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), an area identified as experiencing significant issues related to alcohol-related crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour.

The report pack detailed the proposed operating hours for alcohol sales as Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 22:30, aligning with the proposed opening hours for the premises. The applicant had outlined a series of proposed conditions designed to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Correspondence included in the report pack indicated that the Metropolitan Police had submitted a representation objecting to the application. The police's concerns centred on the premises' location within the Mitcham CIZ and the potential for an additional off-sales alcohol licence to exacerbate existing problems of public urination, littering, verbal abuse, fighting, and street drinking. The police statement highlighted that significant resources were already being deployed to tackle these issues.

The applicant, Vijaykumar Patel, had engaged in correspondence with the police prior to the hearing, proposing various measures to address concerns. These included a commitment to a specialist business model focusing on premium food products and curated wines, rather than products typically associated with street drinking. Mr Patel also offered conditions such as an ABV restriction on certain products, no sales of single units or miniatures, and adherence to Challenge 25 protocols. He also indicated a willingness to discuss reduced operating hours and formally join the London Mayor's Women's Night Safety Charter.

The report pack also included a witness statement from Police Sergeant Matt Bower, who detailed the ongoing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Mitcham Town Centre and stated his professional opinion that granting the licence would contribute to further disorder. Sergeant Bower noted the proximity of the proposed premises to a rehabilitation facility and a food bank, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable individuals.

The report pack outlined the powers of the sub-committee under the Licensing Act 2003, which included options to grant the licence subject to conditions, exclude licensable activities, refuse to specify a premises supervisor, or reject the application entirely. The report also listed potential conditions that could be attached to a licence, drawn from the applicant's proposals and general licensing practice. These included measures such as restricting the sale of high-strength alcohol, displaying no street drinking notices, maintaining CCTV systems, and keeping incident and refusal registers.

The meeting was scheduled to follow a specific procedure for licensing hearings, involving presentations from the applicant and responsible authorities, followed by questioning and closing statements before the sub-committee retired to make a decision.