The Kingston upon Thames Council Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Tacos MX Kingston and an application for a variation of premises licence for Rose Cottage Service Station. The committee agreed to consider the minutes of previous meetings held on 1 and 3 July 2025 as a correct record, although Councillor Anne Owen was unable to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2025. The sub-committee then heard the submissions for both applications but deferred making a decision until a later date.

Rose Cottage Service Station

Rose Cottage Service Station, a Murco Costcutter at 159 Kingston Road, New Molden, KT3 3NS, applied for a variation to their existing premises licence to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol to 24 hours daily, remove existing conditions, and replace them with updated conditions. Trading standards had initially raised concerns around the protection of children from harm, but these were addressed through amendments to the operating schedule. Valid representations were received from residents raising concerns related to all four licensing objectives¹.

Robert Botkei of Winkwood Sherwood, representing Motor Fuel Limited (MFG), explained that the company has experience operating 805 24-hour petrol stations around England and Wales. He stated that the police licensing officers had visited the site and had no objection to the variation. Mr Botkei argued that there was no evidence to suggest that the variation would increase antisocial behaviour, and that MFG is a responsible retailer that would take action if problems arose.

Councillor Liz Green, Chair of the Health Overview Panel, asked how the applicant would ensure that intoxicated individuals are not served, and how they would manage potential disturbances caused by refused customers. Mr Botkei responded that staff are trained to observe customers and refuse service to those who appear intoxicated, and that the company maintains a refusals log.

Councillor Owen asked about two incidents that had occurred at the premises in the last 12 months. Mr Botkei explained that one was shoplifting and the other was a fight in the forecourt unrelated to the off-licence. Councillor Owen raised the concern of residents that the premises would attract problems, to which Mr Botkei responded that previous issues were before MFG owned the site, and the police had not raised these issues.

Councillor Green sought clarification that the night pay window would always be used between midnight and 6am, which Mr Botkei confirmed. Councillor Owen asked about the volume of trade in food and petrol between 11pm and 6am, and Sian Swirigan, regional manager of MFG, responded that it accounts for about 20% of the store's turnover.

Councillor James Giles spoke against the application, stating that the premises is in a quiet residential area near student accommodation and recreation grounds. He said that previous applications had been rejected, and that residents are already subject to antisocial behaviour. Councillor Giles raised concerns about students pre-loading and post-loading with alcohol, and the potential for increased loitering, littering, and violent disorder. He also mentioned that in 2018, he and Mr Frederick Corbett had successfully purchased alcohol after midnight, in breach of the existing licence.

Mr Botkei responded that there had not been a long line of applications, and that each application is dealt with on its merits. He stated that Public Health had not made a representation, and that Councillor Giles's data was out of date. Mr Botkei also pointed out the low number of objections from residents, and the availability of alcohol through delivery services. He reiterated MFG's willingness to work with the council and police to address any problems that may arise.

Tacos MX Kingston

Tacos MX Kingston, located at 4 Town End Parade, High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1LY, applied for a new premises licence to authorise the sale of alcohol (for consumption on and off the premises) from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The Metropolitan Police had initially raised concerns, but withdrew their representation after the applicant agreed to amend their operating schedule. One valid representation was received from another person, relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance.