The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Monday 11 March 2024 to consider two licensing applications. The committee refused an application for a new Premises Licence for New Malden Sports Club and granted a Temporary Street Trading Licence for Gold Fish Waffle+.

New Malden Sports Club Licensing Application Refused

The Licensing Sub-Committee refused an application for a new Premises Licence for New Malden Sports Club, located at Somerset Close, New Malden, KT3 5RG. The application sought to authorise extended opening hours, the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshments, and regulated entertainment.

While the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Trading Standards Officer withdrew their initial concerns following amendments to the operating schedule, twelve representations were received from local residents. These representations raised objections related 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.

Concerns highlighted by residents included noise from music and patrons, light pollution, potential for increased anti-social behaviour, and issues with litter. Objectors also raised concerns about the club's apparent lack of awareness regarding licensing requirements and previous breaches of its Club Premises Certificate.

The Licensing Sub-Committee noted that while the proposed hours had been amended to align with the club's current operating hours, the licence could still permit commercial third-party events outside of guideline hours, potentially impacting residents. The committee expressed concerns about the applicant's understanding of Premises Licence requirements and the general management of the premises. They felt the application was unthought-out and did not adequately address long-standing issues experienced by nearby residents. Ultimately, the committee decided to refuse the application, citing a failure to address complaints and evidence of public nuisance.

Gold Fish Waffle+ Temporary Street Trading Licence Granted

The committee granted a Temporary Street Trading Licence to Ki Moon Kwon for Gold Fish Waffle+, located adjacent to 23 Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4AH. The licence is valid for six months and permits the sale of hot and cold ready-to-eat Korean street food, such as waffles and Korean corn dogs, from a gazebo.

The proposed trading hours are Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 18:00. No representations were received from statutory consultees, although one representation was received from another party. The applicant explained that New Malden has a significant Korean community and that this venture would introduce popular Korean street food to the area.

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the application in line with the Council's Street Trading Policy and the London Local Authorities Act 1990. They concluded that the application would add to the street scene without causing detriment, environmental problems, or detracting from the amenities of adjacent businesses or residents. The committee found it unlikely to cause significant issues related to crime, disorder, or nuisance, particularly given the open area and its distance from residential accommodation. The licence was granted subject to standard conditions for temporary street trading licences, including requirements for public liability insurance, cleanliness, litter management, and compliance with food hygiene standards. An additional condition was imposed requiring the licence holder to provide a litter bin next to the gazebo.