The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Monday 29 January 2024 and granted a new premises licence for Kingston International Market. The application was for the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption, with the committee approving the requested hours and a comprehensive set of conditions to uphold licensing objectives.

Licensing Application: Kingston International Market

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Kingston International Market, located at 78-80 Tolworth Broadway, Tolworth, KT6 7HR. The applicant, Erdal Tutuman, sought authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption from Monday to Saturday between 08:00 and 23:00, and on Sundays from 09:00 to 23:00. The premises would be open to the public from 06:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sundays.

Initially, the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Trading Standards Officer raised concerns regarding the application, specifically relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. However, following discussions with the applicant, amendments were made to the operating schedule, and these concerns were withdrawn.

One representation was received from Other Persons, raising issues related to the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. This representation expressed concern that the proposed closing time of 23:00 for alcohol sales was too late and could lead to noise issues and encourage loud and riotous behaviour, particularly given the proximity of residential flats above shops on Tolworth Broadway. The objector suggested that alcohol sales should cease no later than 21:00, and on Sundays, no later than 17:00.

The applicant, Erdal Tutuman, highlighted his extensive experience in holding personal and premises licences for over 20 years with a clean record. He assured the committee that staff would receive comprehensive training, including adherence to the Challenge 25 policy, and that at least one personal licence holder would be on duty at all times. He also stated that stronger alcoholic beverages would be stored behind the counter or within the cashier's direct line of sight to prevent access by minors. The applicant emphasised that alcohol consumption would be prohibited on the premises or in the immediate vicinity, and that CCTV would be in operation. He also noted that the proposed hours were consistent with those of similar establishments on Tolworth Broadway.

The Licensing Sub-Committee, comprising Councillor Andrew Bolton (Chair), Councillor Peter Herlinger, and Councillor Nicola Nardelli, considered the application in line with the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State's Guidance under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. They determined that the applicant had proposed appropriate mitigating measures and possessed the necessary experience to manage the premises responsibly. The committee found that the proposed hours were within the guideline hours outlined in the Statement of Licensing Policy.

The committee decided to GRANT the application for a new Premises Licence, subject to the conditions offered and agreed in the applicant's operating schedule. These conditions included comprehensive CCTV requirements, detailed staff training protocols, an incident logbook, secure storage of alcohol, the provision of a waste bin near the entrance, and strict age verification procedures. The committee noted that condition 17 of the operating schedule, requiring a waste bin, would help prevent public nuisance from litter.

The committee concluded that the operation would be professionally managed and conducted in a responsible and reasonable manner, in accordance with the imposed conditions. They also acknowledged the possibility of a licence review should any issues arise in the future.

The full details of the decision and the conditions attached to the licence can be found in the Printed minutes Monday 29-Jan-2024 09.45 Licensing Sub-Committee.