The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Harvest Haven, located at 17 Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4AW, with revised operating hours and numerous conditions. The committee also approved the minutes from previous meetings and noted the procedure for hearings.

Harvest Haven Premises Licence Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Harvest Haven, a supermarket at 17 Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4AW. The application, initially opposed by the Metropolitan Police and local residents, was ultimately approved after the applicant agreed to significant amendments and conditions.

The original application sought to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM, with the premises open 24 hours a day. However, following representations, the applicant revised the alcohol sales hours to 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

The Metropolitan Police had initially objected, citing concerns about the premises being located within the Cumulative Impact Zone for Twickenham Town Centre and the potential for increased crime, disorder, and public nuisance. Representations from local residents also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, noise, litter, and public safety due to the proposed late hours of alcohol sales.

After extensive discussions and negotiations, a comprehensive set of conditions was agreed upon, leading to the withdrawal of the Metropolitan Police's objection. These conditions, which will be attached to the licence, include:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Requirements for an effective visual reminder for age checks at points of sale, refresher training for staff every six months, comprehensive CCTV systems (including AXON compliance where possible), and a plan to prevent theft and anti-social behaviour. Alcohol will be displayed away from entrances and exits, and spirits and pre-mixed alcoholic drinks will be stored behind the counter.
• Public Safety: Continued record-keeping of staff training, an incident logbook to record various events including CCTV faults and visits by responsible authorities, and the provision of Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training for customer-facing staff.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Alcohol on display will be covered outside permitted sales hours, deliveries (except for fresh produce) will be restricted to between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays and bank holidays, and procedures for neighbourly dispersal will be implemented. Notably, single cans or bottles of beer, cider, or lager will not be sold, and the premises must comply with reasonable closure requests by the police on event days at Twickenham RFU Allianz Stadium.
• Protection of Children from Harm: A Challenge 25 policy will be enforced, with acceptable identification requirements clearly stated. A refusals book will be maintained, and no beers, lagers, or ciders with an alcoholic strength above 6.5% ABV will be sold. Furthermore, no more than 20% of the shop floor will be used for alcohol display, and there will be no deliveries of alcohol to customers off the premises.

The Licensing Sub-Committee also imposed an additional condition that spirits and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages must be displayed for sale behind the counter. The committee considered the applicant's investment in the property and its operation as a supermarket selling a range of goods, not solely alcohol, as factors in their decision.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The Sub-Committee resolved to approve the minutes from the Licensing Sub-Committee hearings held on 21 January 2025 and 24 January 2025.

Procedure for Hearings

The Chair outlined the procedure to be followed for the hearings. There were no declarations of interest made by the committee members.