The Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss licensing hearing procedures and a new premises licence application. The application was for a premises on London Road, North Cheam. The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Pepes Piri Piri Sutton.

Pepes Piri Piri Sutton, 503 London Road

Shin Venture Ltd applied for a new premises licence for Pepes Piri Piri Sutton, 503 London Road, North Cheam.

The application seeks to authorise:

• The provision of late night refreshment from 23:00 hours to 03:00 hours every day.
• The provision of recorded music from 12:00 hours to 03:00 hours every day.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the application in light of the Secretary of State's Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003¹, and Sutton Council's Statement of Licensing Policy and the licensing objectives of:

• The prevention of crime and disorder.
• Public safety.
• The prevention of public nuisance.
• The protection of children from harm.

The officer's report noted that the applicant, Shin Venture Ltd, had advertised the application at the premises and in a local newspaper, and that all responsible authorities² had received a copy of the application.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Environmental Health (Noise Pollution) Officer. Following mediation, the applicant addressed the concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police by making amendments to their operating schedule, and the police withdrew their representation. The Environmental Health (Noise Pollution) Officer's representation was sustained.

Five valid representations were received from other parties, one in objection, and four in support of the application.

Councillor (Redacted), Councillor for Beddington Ward, objected to the application, stating that a closing time of 3am was too late, as the property is underneath flats and the late closure could mean residents including children could face the possibility of disturbed nights.

Four representations were received in support of the application. One supporter, (Redacted), stated that issues with building work had been resolved, and that Pepes have been open for some time and they're absolutely wonderful, great neighbours and a very welcome addition to North Cheam.

Two supporters, (Redacted) and (Redacted), stated that Pepe's plays an important role in our local food landscape by offering halal-certified, freshly grilled meals—a rare but essential option in the area, especially after regular trading hours.

Another two supporters, (Redacted) and (Redacted), stated that Pepe's has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to operating in a lawful and orderly manner, and that they have never seen any form of anti-social behaviour, loitering, or disorder linked to this premises.

If granted, the licence would be subject to mandatory conditions laid down in the Licensing Act 2003, and conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule. These include:

• The premises shall operate a closed-circuit television system (CCTV).
• An incident logbook/electronic record shall be kept and maintained on the premises.
• The premises must only operate as a restaurant.
• The restaurant area set out on the premises plan shall always be laid out with tables for food service.
• No deliveries of supplies at the premises will take place between the hours of 2200-0800 hours.
• Clear and legible notices must be prominently displayed at all entrances/exits requesting customers & delivery drivers not to loiter unnecessarily in any area outside the premises, to respect local residents and leave the area quietly.

Licensing Hearing Procedures

The Licensing Hearing Procedures document sets out how the Licensing Committee manages its business in an efficient, fair and transparent way. It states that licensing applications to the council will be dealt with in one of two ways:

1. By a Licensing Sub-Committee of three Members of the Licensing Committee. All three Members need to be present throughout the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting convened for a hearing; or
2. By licensing officers within the delegations of the Licensing Committee or Sub-Committee as set out in the Council's Licensing Policy and this procedure.

The document also states how representations are dealt with, what notices need to be served by parties to the hearing, and what the procedure is for petitions.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to elect a chair for the duration of the meeting, and then to proceed with the hearing.