The Licensing Sub-Committee of Sutton Council met on 1 April 2025 to consider a variation to the premises licence for Cheam Park Cafe. The committee granted the application in part, allowing for extended hours and off-sales of alcohol, but with revised closing times and additional conditions.

Cheam Park Cafe Licence Variation

The primary item of business was an application to vary the premises licence for Cheam Park Cafe, located at Cheam Recreation Ground, Tudor Close, Cheam, SM3 8QS. The application sought to introduce off-sales of alcohol and extend the licensable hours for alcohol sales.

Decision: The Sub-Committee decided to grant the application for a full variation to the premises licence, in part, subject to additional and amended conditions.

Details of the Decision:

• Opening Hours: The cafe's opening hours were extended to 9:30 am to 9:30 pm daily, with Saturday opening from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm.
• Alcohol Sales Hours: Alcohol sales (both on and off-sales) were permitted from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. This was a reduction from the requested 10:00 pm closing time, with the Sub-Committee deeming a 9:00 pm closing time more appropriate for a park location frequented by families.
• Off-Sales Conditions:
  • All on-sales of alcohol must be consumed with substantial food.
  • All off-sales of alcohol must be to persons purchasing substantial food at the same time.
  • All off-sales of alcohol must be sold and supplied in non-glassware.
• Existing Conditions: The existing conditions from the applicant's operating schedule and those agreed with the Metropolitan Police were retained and supplemented. These include measures for CCTV, age verification (Challenge 25), staff training, and specific conditions for alcohol supplied with takeaway services, such as credit/debit card payment for deliveries and ensuring alcohol is packaged separately from non-age-restricted items.
• Amended Conditions: Condition 2 of Annex 3 of the current licence, which prohibited customers from removing alcoholic drinks from the premises, was removed. However, a new condition was added stating that all off-sales of alcohol must be sold in non-glassware.

Discussion and Reasoning:

The application received five representations from Other Persons, raising concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Councillor Wendy Clark spoke on behalf of these concerns.

Key arguments raised by objectors included:

• The potential for increased litter, broken glass, and attracted wasps due to off-sales in a park environment.
• Concerns about the early start time for alcohol sales (9:30 am) in a family-friendly park.
• The risk of anti-social behaviour and public nuisance, particularly after dusk, and the potential for children to witness intoxicated individuals.
• The park gates being locked at dusk, potentially making access difficult for emergency services if the cafe remained open later.
• The proximity of other retailers selling alcohol.

The applicant, Adriana Stringer, who has operated the cafe for 20 years and held an alcohol licence for four years, presented herself as a responsible operator with a good relationship with the police and the Parks Team. She highlighted the rising cost pressures on her business and stated the application aimed to improve customer experience, allow for events like picnic hampers, and provide flexibility for opening during good weather. She noted that alcohol was only available with food, was more expensive than at local retailers, and that the cafe staff actively managed litter. She also offered to amend the alcohol sales start time to 10:00 am, aligning with the Council's Licensing Policy guideline hours.

The Sub-Committee acknowledged the applicant's responsible operating history and the lack of reported anti-social behaviour linked to the cafe in the four years since its current licence was in place. They also noted the existence of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Cheam Park, which provides powers to intervene if alcohol use becomes an issue.

However, the Sub-Committee expressed concerns about customers leaving the cafe after dark and walking through an unlit park, especially given that the park gates are locked at dusk. They also considered the extended hours of alcohol sales in a location primarily used by children and families. The decision to reduce the alcohol sales closing time to 9:00 pm was made to uphold the licensing objectives, particularly in a park setting. The Sub-Committee also considered the use of delivery providers and confirmed that existing conditions for takeaway services would remain in place.

The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns but withdrew their representation after the applicant amended their operating schedule. The Sub-Committee noted that no objections were received from the Parks Team.