The Licensing Sub-Committee met on 24 January 2024 to consider a new premises licence application for FeastyFest, located in Cheam Park. The committee decided to grant the licence with a number of conditions attached.

FeastyFest Premises Licence Application

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for FeastyFest, located in Cheam Park, Tudor Close, Cheam, to Mr Michael Quinton. The licence permits the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, the provision of regulated entertainment including recorded and live music, plays, films, dance performances, indoor sporting events, boxing, and wrestling. The proposed hours for these activities are from 11:00 to 22:30 on Saturdays and 10:00 to 21:00 on Sundays, annually on the second or third weekend of September.

The decision to grant the licence was made after considering representations from various parties, including the applicant, responsible authorities, and other persons (local residents and organisations).

Applicant's Case: Mr Michael Quinton, the applicant, highlighted that FeastyFest is a not-for-profit event that has been running since 2018, donating to local charities and offering free tickets to local residents. He stated that the event works closely with the police and licensing teams, and that there have been minimal incidents reported in previous years. Mr Quinton also detailed plans for marshalled parking, increased toilet facilities, security, CCTV, and a traffic management plan in conjunction with TfL. He confirmed that wrestling would be a demonstration only and that the inclusion of plays and films was for potential future use.

Representations and Concerns: Two other persons submitted representations raising concerns 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.

• West Sutton Little League (WSLL), a registered charity operating football for children at Cheam Recreation Ground, objected to the application for Saturday before 1pm. They argued that the event's vehicle access and parking arrangements would damage the pitches, making them unsafe for children and impacting public safety and health. WSLL also expressed concern that the event's scale was unsuited to the Cheam Village Conservation Area, potentially harming biodiversity and trees. They stated that the event's cost was inaccessible to many, unlike their own community-focused provision.
• A resident from West Sutton also raised objections, citing concerns about the potential for increased antisocial behaviour, public urination, loud shouting, arguing, and swearing in the residential area due to extended alcohol sales hours. They also noted the event's impact on local residents through intrusive noise and the potential for damage to the Cheam Village Conservation Area. The resident questioned the appropriateness of authorising wrestling for children at an event where alcohol is served. They also pointed out that tickets had already been marketed and sold before the consultation period, undermining the objection process.

Responsible Authorities: The Metropolitan Police and the Council's Pollution Control Team initially raised concerns but withdrew them after the applicant agreed to a significant number of additional conditions.

Decision and Conditions: The Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence, subject to numerous conditions derived from the applicant's operating schedule and agreed upon with responsible authorities. These conditions are designed to promote the four licensing objectives and include:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Requirements for a visible duty manager contact number, a minimum number of SIA-registered door supervisors on duty at specific times on Saturday and Sunday, a log of door supervisors, clear SIA identification and high-visibility clothing for supervisors, provision of radios, and the use of Body Worn Video for response teams and entry/exit points. CCTV will be operational with recordings retained for 31 days. An incident log will be maintained, and an anti-theft, weapons, and drug policy implemented, including bag searches upon entry. Heras fencing will be erected and monitored. Last entry on Saturday will be 19:00. Alcohol served in non-glass containers.
• Public Safety: Adequate external lighting throughout the site, a maximum capacity of 9999 persons, and a system to monitor attendee numbers in real-time.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Display of local public transport and licensed taxi/private hire details. An Event Safety Management Document, including a dispersal policy, must be submitted to the Licensing Authority, Metropolitan Police, and Emergency Planning Authority one month in advance (two months if occupant numbers exceed 2500). A noise mitigation plan will be required for live music, detailing noise levels, monitoring methods, dispersal policy, and prior notification to local residents. The Public Safety Officer and Metropolitan Police have an absolute power of veto over proposed measures.
• Protection of Children from Harm: A Challenge 25 age verification scheme will be operated at all bars, requiring photographic ID for anyone appearing under 25. Notices will be displayed, and a refusals book maintained. All staff selling alcohol must be trained in Challenge 25 and the Ask Angela initiative.

The Sub-Committee noted that the applicant was an experienced operator and that the event was a not-for-profit organisation supporting the local community. They also acknowledged that any issues arising after the licence grant could lead to a licence review.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Wendy Clark, Councillor Richard Clifton (Vice Chair: Planning Committee), and Councillor Bobby Dean, who was elected Chair for the meeting. The meeting concluded at 11:14 am.