The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss a new premises licence application and to review the Licensing Hearing Procedures. The meeting was scheduled to begin with welcome and introductions, the election of a chair, and declarations of interest.

Licence Application for B and W Food and Wine

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for B and W Food and Wine, located at 575 London Road, North Cheam SM3 9AE. The applicant, Shahpoor Bazmangal, is seeking permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises during the following hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 23:00
• Friday and Saturday: 08:00 to 00:00
• Sunday: 08:00 to 22:00

Manpreet Singh Kapoor, acting as an agent for the applicant, submitted the application on 7 May 2025. According to the application, B and W Food and Wine is a:

Convenience Store, Vape, Mobile, Groceries, Off Licence

The report pack included the application form, a plan of the premises, and the proposed hours of operation.

Representations from Other Parties

The sub-committee was scheduled to note that two representations had been received from other parties, raising concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance.

One representation, from a resident of North Cheam, expressed strong objections to the application, citing existing antisocial behaviour in the area:

I would like to point out we have to put up with a lot of anti social behaviour which goes on way passed midnight Wetherspoons is right opposite which is supposed to close 12pm weekdays and 1pm weekends but finishes later. There has been a lot of trouble and drunken behaviour particularly fighting shouting and screaming...

The resident also mentioned a serious fight that occurred a few months prior, involving individuals from the nearby Nonsuch Inn-JD Wetherspoon pub and a McDonald's, resulting in a young man losing an eye. They expressed concerns that granting the licence would encourage intoxicated individuals to come to their place of residence at late hours.

Another representation, also from a resident of North Cheam, stated that the authorisation of the shop would encourage further antisocial behaviour in the area. They also raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable adults and the number of existing businesses selling alcohol in the vicinity.

Conditions Arising from Applicant's Operating Schedule

The report pack included conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule, including:

• A till prompt system to ensure staff undertake age checks.
• Operation of a CCTV system covering all public areas, entrances, exits, and points of sale of alcohol.
• Implementation of a clear window policy to deter underage and proxy sales.
• Alcohol to be purchased from Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme¹ registered cash and carry and wholesalers.
• No self-service of spirits.
• Display of high-value alcohol behind the counter.
• Implementation of a Challenge 25 policy² for both in-store and online/delivery sales.
• Maintenance of a refusals book to record instances of refused alcohol sales.
• Maintenance of an incident logbook to record incidents that carry a significant risk of leading to crime and disorder.
• Implementation of a training manual and staff training in the sale of alcohol and underage sales prevention.

Licensing Objectives and Policy Considerations

In considering the application, the sub-committee was asked to take into account the Secretary of State's Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003³, and Sutton Council's Licensing Policy. The licensing objectives, as outlined in the agenda, are:

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

The Statement of Licensing Policy (July 2023) states that the council aims to strike a reasonable balance between widening the choice and appeal of licensed premises, the development of culture, and the protection of local residents. It also highlights the council's wish to discourage drunkenness and resulting antisocial behaviour.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Hearings Procedure

The Licensing Sub-Committee was also scheduled to discuss the Licensing Hearing Procedures. The Licensing Hearing Procedures document outlines how the Licensing Committee manages its business in an efficient, fair, and transparent way, specifically for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003. It details how licensing applications are dealt with, the handling of representations, the sub-committee meeting agenda, notices to be served by parties, and the hearing procedure.