The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Cafe La Cigale. The committee will also review the procedure for hearings and confirm minutes from previous meetings.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Cafe La Cigale

A key item on the agenda is the application for a new premises licence for Cafe La Cigale, located at 23 Castle Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1ST. The application, submitted by Peter Abdul-Ahad, seeks to authorise the retail sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 21:00 hours. The proposed opening hours for the cafe are 07:30 to 22:00 daily.

The report pack indicates that the applicant initially sought later hours but amended the application following discussions with the Metropolitan Police and in response to concerns raised by residents. Representations have been received from the Metropolitan Police regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, and from Trading Standards concerning the protection of children from harm. While these representations were initially made, the applicant has addressed the concerns through amendments to the operating schedule, leading to their withdrawal.

However, three valid representations have been received from Other Persons¹, referencing all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These representations highlight concerns about existing issues in the area, including anti-social behaviour, noise disturbances, and potential impacts on public safety and the residential environment. One representation includes video footage of a police intervention. The applicant has responded to these concerns, proposing further measures such as stopping alcohol service at 21:00, ceasing alcohol service in the outdoor seating area by 20:30, and implementing noise management strategies.

The Sub-Committee will need to consider the application in light of the Secretary of State's Guidance² and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy³. The decision-making process will involve evaluating the proposed operating schedule, the conditions arising from it, and any representations made, with the aim of promoting the licensing objectives. The options available to the Sub-Committee include granting the application as is, granting it with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, or rejecting the application entirely.

Hearing Procedure

The Sub-Committee is scheduled to note the procedure to be followed at hearings, as outlined in Appendix A of the public reports pack. This procedure details how hearings will be conducted, including the roles of legal advisors and committee secretaries, the order in which parties will be heard, and the process for asking questions and making submissions. It also covers procedures for dealing with parties who fail to attend a hearing and the process for making decisions.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The Sub-Committee will be asked to confirm that the minutes of the meetings held on 15 September 2026 and 20 October 2026 are a correct record.