The Licensing Sub-Committee of Wandsworth Council was scheduled to consider two applications under the Licensing Act 2003. These included a new premises licence application for Morley's Fried Chicken and a review of the premises licence for Gazette.

Morley's Fried Chicken

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new Premises Licence for Morley's Fried Chicken, located at 259 Mitcham Lane, SW16. The application, submitted by Mr K. Mayooran, sought permission for the provision of Late Night Refreshment between 11:00 and 02:00 daily. This application had previously been adjourned at a meeting on 28th April 2011.

The report pack indicated that while no representations were received from Responsible Authorities, there were nine representations opposing the application from interested parties, along with a petition of 119 signatures. These objections primarily related to public nuisance, citing concerns about noise from customers, car engines, and doors slamming late at night, as well as issues with litter attracting vermin, and anti-social behaviour. One representation was received in support of the application.

The report outlined that the Sub-Committee would need to consider the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. They were also to have regard to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy and the Government's Statutory Guidance. The report noted that the Sub-Committee could grant the application as requested, modify the licence conditions, or reject the application, but only if deemed necessary to promote the licensing objectives.

Conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule included maintaining a CCTV system and ensuring a minimum of two staff members were on duty after 18:00. Suggested additional conditions, based on the representations received, included displaying signs asking customers to respect neighbours and leave quietly, and staff routinely clearing litter from external areas.

Gazette

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider an application for the Review of a Premises Licence for Gazette, located at 79 Chatfield Road, SW11. This review was requested by Mr Ian King, a resident, and supported by other local residents, on the grounds that the current licence conditions had failed to uphold the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance.

The report detailed the premises' licensing history, noting it was previously known as Le Petit Max and was transferred to Saharanight Limited in 2006, with the name changing to Gazette in 2007. A previous application in June 2010 to vary the licence conditions, specifically to remove a condition regarding exit routes, was refused by the Sub-Committee on 17th August 2010.

Representations from the Environmental Services Officer (Noise) raised concerns about amplified music, patrons using external seating areas, dispersal from the premises, and refuse collections at unsociable hours. They believed additional conditions were necessary to control noise and nuisance. One representation from an interested party cited noise from children using the public area and opposed any extension of hours. Conversely, 17 letters of support for the restaurant to continue trading under its current licence were received.

The report outlined the potential actions the Sub-Committee could take, ranging from taking no further action to issuing a warning, modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the Designated Premises Supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking it.

The applicants for the review requested several additional conditions, including restricting opening hours to between 09:00 and 23:30, limiting regulated entertainment hours, closing the external dining area by 22:00, and ensuring doors and windows remain closed when regulated entertainment is in use. Other proposed conditions related to alcohol sales in external areas, fencing of the external dining area, and notices advising patrons to minimise noise. The Environmental Services Officer also proposed conditions regarding the closing of doors and windows, cessation of regulated entertainment at specific times, and restrictions on alcohol being taken off the premises or into external areas.

The Sub-Committee was to consider these applications in light of the Licensing Act 2003, the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Government's Statutory Guidance, with a focus on promoting the four licensing objectives.