The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Cafe Rosa. The meeting's agenda also included procedural items such as the appointment of a chair and confirmation of previous minutes.

Licensing Application for Cafe Rosa

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a new premises licence application for Cafe Rosa, located at 106A Alexandra Drive, Surbiton, KT5 9AG. The application, submitted by Rochaconsultancy on behalf of Ferosa Feresha De Barros, sought authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, Monday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 22:00.

The report pack indicated that the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Environmental Health (Noise Pollution) Officer had initially raised concerns regarding the application, specifically relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. However, these concerns were reportedly addressed through amendments to the applicant's operating schedule, leading to the withdrawal of formal representations from these Responsible Authorities.

Despite the resolution of concerns from official bodies, seven valid representations were received from Other Persons (local residents). These representations raised issues pertaining 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.

Key concerns raised by residents included:

• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Residents expressed worries about increased noise and disturbance due to the proposed alcohol sales in a residential area with a narrow and busy street. Concerns were also raised about potential noise from increased foot traffic and people congregating outside the premises, particularly during the proposed operating hours. The proximity of existing shops selling alcohol and the potential for increased litter were also cited.
• Protection of Children from Harm: The proximity of the cafe to residential areas and a park frequented by families with children was a significant concern. Residents feared that the sale of alcohol could lead to children being exposed to inappropriate behaviour associated with alcohol consumption, such as drunkenness and disorderly conduct, which could be detrimental to their well-being.
• Operating Hours: The proposed hours for alcohol sales, extending to 22:00, were a point of contention, with some residents suggesting that hours should align more closely with the cafe's existing operating hours or be restricted to earlier times. The report pack noted that the council's Statement of Licensing Policy provides guideline hours for off-sales and on-sales, and that new applications are considered on their individual merits.

The report pack outlined the potential decisions the Sub-Committee could make: to grant the application as it stood, grant it with conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, or reject the application entirely. The report also detailed the conditions that would arise from the applicant's operating schedule, which included measures such as a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, CCTV installation, an incident logbook, staff training on underage sales prevention, and restrictions on the sale of high-ABV alcohol.

The meeting procedure was also detailed, outlining how the Licensing Officer, applicants, and any other interested parties would present their cases to the Sub-Committee. The report also referenced the relevant legislation, including the Licensing Act 2003, and guidance from the Secretary of State, as well as the Council's own Statement of Licensing Policy.