The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Spruce, located at 140 St John's Hill, London, SW11 1SL. This meeting will involve a review of the application details, representations received from the Metropolitan Police and local residents, and proposed conditions to promote the licensing objectives.

Spruce Premises Licence Application

The main item scheduled for discussion is a new premises licence application for Spruce, located at 140 St John's Hill, London SW11 1SL. The applicant, Spruce Cafe Group Limited, is seeking permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 10:00 to midnight, Monday to Sunday. They also propose regulated entertainment, including live music from 17:00 to 22:00 and recorded music from 07:00 to midnight, seven days a week. Late night refreshment is proposed until midnight daily, with the premises opening from 07:00 to 00:30.

The report pack details that the premises previously held a licence under the name TAPAJAX, which lapsed in March 2026.

Representations Received

The meeting agenda includes representations from the Metropolitan Police and ten other persons, primarily concerning the promotion of the licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

The Metropolitan Police have raised concerns that the operating schedule does not adequately address the prevention of crime and disorder, specifically regarding the need for door supervisors and restrictions on private events.

Local residents have submitted multiple representations highlighting concerns about:

• Noise disturbance: This includes noise from patrons using the premises, particularly from external seating areas, and from customers arriving and leaving late at night. Concerns are also raised about noise breakout from live and recorded music impacting nearby residential properties.
• Litter and waste: Issues with litter, bottles, glass, and waste associated with the operation of the premises have been reported.
• Anti-social behaviour: Potential for anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder arising from the sale and consumption of alcohol, particularly off the premises.
• Highway obstruction and public safety: Concerns about customers congregating outside the premises, potentially obstructing pavements and creating public safety issues.

One resident, who lives adjacent to the premises, has detailed significant existing disturbances, including late-night glass disposal and early morning waste collections occurring as early as 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning, as well as overflowing bins attracting flies and vermin. They are concerned that the proposed extension of hours will exacerbate these issues.

Another resident, living opposite the premises on Harbut Road, has expressed concerns about noise from customers gathering outside, shouting, singing, and the use of outdoor speakers. They also note that the building is not well soundproofed, and music is already audible in neighbouring homes.

Proposed Conditions and Policy Considerations

The report pack outlines potential conditions that could be attached to the licence if granted, arising from the applicant's operating schedule and suggested by representations. These include:

• Applicant's Operating Schedule: Conditions such as ensuring sufficient staff, staff training on alcohol sales, installation and maintenance of CCTV, an incident log, clearing external areas by 23:00, and displaying notices requesting patrons to leave quietly.
• Suggested Conditions: These include proposals to limit the terminal hour for alcohol sales and regulated entertainment to 22:00 on Sundays to Thursdays, restrict live music entirely, limit recorded music to indoor areas at background level, and ensure doors and windows remain closed while music is played. Other suggestions involve door supervision from 20:00, preventing customers from congregating outside, and limiting the number of customers in external areas.
• Police Proposed Conditions: These include requiring risk assessments for the need for SIA registered door supervisors, prohibiting the hiring of the premises to external promoters, and requiring risk assessments for private events. The police also recommend staff training on customer welfare and vulnerability.

The Sub-Committee is required to consider the Licensing Act 2003¹ and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy², which sets out the general approach to promoting the four licensing objectives. The report also refers to the Government's Statutory Guidance³ for licensing authorities. The Sub-Committee must only take steps that are appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.