The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Berlin Grill, located at 110 Brighton Road, Purley, CR8 4DB. The meeting was also scheduled to address procedural matters, including the appointment of a chair and apologies for absence.

Application for Premises Licence: Berlin Grill, 110 Brighton Road, Purley

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to determine an application for a premises licence for Berlin Grill, located at 110 Brighton Road, Purley, CR8 4DB. The application sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment between the hours of 23:00 and 01:00 from Monday to Thursday, and 23:00 to 02:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The report pack indicated that the application had received representations from interested parties, necessitating a hearing. These representations raised concerns regarding the potential impact of the extended hours on the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

Several residents and businesses submitted objections. A key concern was the potential for increased noise and disturbance from customers and delivery drivers during late-night hours, particularly given the proximity of residential accommodation above the premises. Residents also expressed worries about cooking fumes and strong smells emanating from the business, as well as the potential for increased litter, food waste, and anti-social behaviour, including public urination, around the premises and residential entrances.

Concerns were also raised about parking and obstruction of residential access due to customer vehicles. For businesses like Sherwood Jewellery, located next door, there was a specific concern that increased late-night activity could compromise security by making it harder to distinguish legitimate activity from suspicious behaviour around their premises.

The report pack also detailed the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-28¹, which outlines the framework for determining such applications. This policy emphasises considering each application on its individual merits and promoting the four licensing objectives. The policy also addresses cumulative impact assessments, which consider the density and type of licensed premises in an area and their potential impact on the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Act 2003² governs the process for granting premises licences, requiring licensing authorities to consider representations from responsible authorities and other persons. The report pack included appendices detailing the application form, conditions agreed with the Police, representations received, a map of the premises' location, and the Council's Hearings Protocol & Procedure³.