The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Thursday 13 August 2026 to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee granted a licence for Pepe's Piri Piri in Tolworth, with amended hours and conditions, and deferred a decision on an application for KFC in Chessington to allow for further consideration of resident objections.

Pepe's Piri Piri, 46 Tolworth Broadway, Tolworth

The subcommittee considered an application for a new premises licence for Pepe's Piri Piri, located at 46 Tolworth Broadway, Tolworth, KT6 7HR. The application sought authorisation for late-night refreshments. Initially, the applicant had requested hours until 2am, but this was reduced to 1:30am from Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, with the premises operating as delivery-only after midnight.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police concerning crime and disorder, which were withdrawn after the applicant agreed to amendments to their operating schedule, reflected as conditions in Annex 3 of the report. Two valid representations were received from other persons, raising concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. These objectors were unable to attend the hearing.

The applicant's agent, Mohammed Sultan Malik of NASA Design Studio, explained that the amended hours were aligned with those of other establishments in the area. He detailed measures to manage delivery drivers, prevent public nuisance, and ensure litter collection. Saeed Shah, the applicant, added that staff would be fully trained to handle situations and that CCTV cameras covered the external area.

During the hearing, Councillor Peter Higgins inquired about the training of staff and Councillor Yvonne Tracey asked about any instances of anti-social behaviour or problems encountered. The applicant confirmed that staff were health and safety and first aid qualified, and that SIA-qualified staff were employed for night shifts. They stated that there had been no complaints to date. Regarding parking, it was clarified that delivery drivers would be instructed to park sensibly and switch off engines.

Following deliberation, the subcommittee granted the licence with conditions. The decision would be communicated via email later that day, with full details and reasons to follow within five working days.

KFC, 2-4 North Parade, Chessington

The subcommittee also considered an application for a new premises licence for KFC, located at 2-4 North Parade, Chessington, KT9 1QF. The application sought authorisation for late-night refreshments from 11pm to 1am Monday to Thursday, and 11pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. After midnight, the premises would operate as a delivery and collection service only, with no customer access.

Hannah Smith, the licensing officer, presented the report, noting that the Metropolitan Police had initially made representations regarding crime and disorder but had withdrawn them following mediation and agreement on revised conditions. However, 15 valid representations were received from other persons, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance.

Piers Warren, representing the applicant K & Z Newhaven Limited, explained that the application was for delivery only after 11pm, with no customers permitted on the premises after this time. He highlighted a robust operating schedule with 26 conditions, including special late-night training, dispersal management, and delivery drivers waiting inside the premises. An agreement with the police meant internal foyer lights would be dimmed after 11pm to make the premises appear closed. Mr. Warren emphasised that K & Z Newhaven Limited is a franchisee with over 20 years of operation and that KFC headquarters provides oversight.

Numerous residents and local councillors spoke against the application, raising concerns about noise from delivery vehicles, particularly mopeds, at late hours in a predominantly residential and quiet area. Councillor Barker highlighted the lack of public transport at night and the potential for noise from extractor fans. David Williams expressed concerns about the noise from mopeds and the realism of staff confronting riders. Veronica Whitehead mentioned the smell of KFC and noise from extractor fans, while Stella Graham presented video footage from the World Cup period showing lights on and a driver collecting at 1:39 am, questioning the applicant's assurances. Rochelle Cook echoed concerns about litter, noise, and the lack of necessity for late-night operation in the area. Councillor Barker, David Williams, and Councillor Lorraine Dunstone also made closing statements reiterating their objections, focusing on noise, litter, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour.

Councillor James Giles, a local ward councillor, also objected, requesting that if the licence were granted, it should be significantly restricted with robust conditions, including no late-night refreshment beyond 11pm on most nights and a mandatory delivery management plan.

The subcommittee heard from the applicant's team, who addressed concerns about noise, litter, and the management of delivery drivers, stating that the proposed conditions and the barring system for drivers would mitigate issues. They also noted that KFC was upgrading carbon filters to address smell concerns.

The subcommittee indicated that they would deliberate and communicate their decision via email later that day, with full details and reasons to follow within five working days. The decision on the KFC application was therefore deferred.