The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Monday 22 January 2024 to consider two applications for premises licences. The committee granted a variation to a premises licence for 83-84 High Street, South Norwood, SE25 6EA, allowing for extended hours for music and alcohol sales. An application for a new premises licence at 6 Beddington Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon, CR0 3HG, was adjourned to a later date due to an ongoing police investigation.

Variation to Premises Licence at 83-84 High Street, South Norwood, SE25 6EA

The Sub-Committee granted a variation to the premises licence for 83-84 High Street, South Norwood, SE25 6EA, allowing for extended hours for the playing of recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. The new hours will be Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:30 am, and Friday and Saturday until 2:00 am. Extensions will also apply to bank holidays, the day preceding a bank holiday, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve, until 2:00 am.

The application was met with objections from local residents, Faith Oswell-Jones and Jenny Patel, who raised concerns about noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. Ms. Oswell-Jones stated that patrons often congregated outside the premises, blocking the pavement, and that the alleyway to the rear was used as a smoking and parking area. She also noted issues with loud music from upstairs areas and the presence of laughing gas cartridges and smashed bottles outside the premises. Ms. Patel echoed these concerns, highlighting the impact of litter and noise on local families.

The applicant's agent, Robert Sutherland, refuted the allegations of breaches to the current licence, stating that regular meetings with the police and noise pollution team had taken place without issue. He asserted that there had been no operation outside of licensed hours and that the premises had a dispersal policy in place. Mr. Sutherland also mentioned that the applicant was in regular contact with their direct neighbours and was willing to establish more formal communication channels.

The Sub-Committee considered the arguments and, referencing the Licensing Act 2003¹ and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-2028², resolved to grant the application. They noted that Environmental Health and the Police had not made objections. The Sub-Committee recommended that the applicant arrange more formal meetings with local residents beyond those living immediately upstairs and to the sides of the premises. An additional condition was offered by the applicant to ensure that any litter was swept from outside the premises at the end of each day.

Application for Premises Licence at 6 Beddington Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon, CR0 3HG

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence at 6 Beddington Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon, CR0 3HG. The hearing was initially adjourned on 22 January 2024 at the request of Miss Crossfield, counsel for an objector, due to an ongoing police investigation connected to the application. The adjournment was granted to allow for the receipt of additional information.

At the reconvened hearing on 5 February 2024, Mr. Raj Boodhoo, legal representative for an objector, again requested an adjournment, citing the ongoing police investigation into an alleged threat. However, officers advised that the council's role was not to investigate police matters and that an update from the police indicated no ongoing investigation. The Sub-Committee resolved not to grant a further adjournment, stating that it was not necessary for their consideration of the representations.

The application was for the sale of alcohol off-premises from Monday to Thursday between 8:00 am and 11:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 am. The applicant had voluntarily amended the application to include conditions agreed with the police, including a reduction in terminal hours.

Representations were made by objectors Mr. Sinnathamby and Mr. Shabanathan, who expressed concerns about increased alcohol consumption, health and safety issues, and the impact on school children. They highlighted the number of existing off-licences in the area and submitted a petition with 174 signatures. Mr. Shabanathan also spoke of experiencing anti-social behaviour, noise disturbance, and litter outside his home.

The applicant's agent argued that the objections were based on business competition and that the litter and anti-social behaviour were not caused by the proposed new premises. They stated that the premises intended to operate as a local convenience store and would comply with the council's licensing policy. The applicant also agreed to ensure no beer, lager, or cider above 6.5% ABV would be sold and to clean the vicinity of the premises.

The Licensing Officer clarified that commercial need was not a factor under the Licensing Act 2003 and that representations must relate to the licensing objectives. The petition was not considered a relevant representation as it did not relate to these objectives. The Sub-Committee noted that the premises were not located in a cumulative impact area³.

After deliberation, the Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence. They concluded that it would be appropriate to promote the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance, and noted the absence of objections from Environmental Health and the Police. The Sub-Committee also noted that there was no further evidence presented regarding the alleged threats and that the police investigation into this matter was closed.