The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Monday 22 June 2026 to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee granted a licence for V&M Off Licence at 25A Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, with conditions, and also granted a licence for Basera Restaurant at 51 Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, with conditions.

V&M Off Licence, 25A Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1SB

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for V&M Off Licence, located at 25A Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames. The application sought to authorise the supply of alcohol for retail off the premises from Sunday 10:00 to 20:00 and Monday to Saturdays from 09:00 to 21:00.

During the consultation process, the Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder. However, following mediation, the applicant agreed to amendments to their operating schedule, which satisfied the police's concerns, leading to the withdrawal of their representation.

Despite the police withdrawal, seven other representations and one petition were received from local residents and other persons. These objections primarily related to the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Concerns were raised about existing issues in the Fife Road area, including street drinking, littering, and anti-social behaviour, with objectors arguing that an additional off-licence would exacerbate these problems.

The applicant's agent, Mandir Khawah of Personal License Courses UK, highlighted the Designated Premises Supervisor's (DPS) extensive experience in operating multiple retail stores without any recorded issues related to age-restricted sales or compliance. They also noted that the premises itself had been trading for two years without any complaints or issues. The applicant proposed several conditions to promote the licensing objectives, including a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV installation, staff training on responsible alcohol retailing, and a commitment to not selling high-strength beers, single cans or bottles, or miniatures. They also agreed to a condition for sweeping outside the store twice daily to address litter concerns.

Mr Noel Samaru, representing some local residents, reiterated concerns about existing anti-social behaviour and street drinking in the Fife Road area, arguing that an additional off-licence would worsen these issues. He questioned the extent to which alcohol sales would form part of the business model and whether it would become a primary focus rather than an ancillary offering.

Following the hearing, the subcommittee granted the premises licence. The decision was made subject to a number of conditions, including those proposed by the applicant in their operating schedule, which were designed to promote the four licensing objectives. These conditions included measures related to CCTV, incident logging, staff training, restrictions on the types of alcohol sold (no high-strength beers, single cans/bottles, or miniatures), and staffing levels during busy periods.

Basera Restaurant, 51 Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7PS

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Basera Restaurant, located at 51 Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames. The application sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshments on Fridays and Saturdays from 23:00 to 23:30, and the sale of alcohol for on-sales only from Sunday to Thursday between 12:00 and 22:30, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 23:30.

No representations were received from any of the responsible authorities. However, one representation was received from an Other Person, a local resident, concerning the potential impact on public nuisance and parking. The resident expressed concerns about increased noise disturbance late at night due to extended trading hours and alcohol sales, and requested measures to manage patrons' behaviour and prevent littering and anti-social behaviour. Parking issues were also raised, with a request for assurances that patrons would not park illegally or obstruct residential spaces.

The applicant's agent, Peter Conisbee of PCLicensing, responded to these concerns, highlighting the conditions within the operating schedule that addressed noise management, litter control, and patron dispersal. The agent noted that the restaurant's primary custom was expected to be on foot, and that the operating schedule, which would become part of the licence if granted, included measures to mitigate potential nuisances. The agent also stated that the applicant would include a note on their website and a notice at the premises reinforcing concerns regarding parking.

The subcommittee granted the premises licence for Basera Restaurant. The licence was granted with conditions derived from the applicant's operating schedule, which included measures for CCTV, incident logging, staff training on age-restricted sales, and conditions related to noise, odour, deliveries, refuse management, and patron dispersal. Specific conditions were also included regarding the hours for late-night refreshment and alcohol sales, aligning with the applicant's request and the council's licensing policy guidelines.