The Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss an application for a new premises licence for SD Food & Wine, located at the Cardinal Wolsey, The Green, Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9BW. The application was granted, permitting the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday, with several conditions to address concerns raised by local residents and the Metropolitan Police. The committee also approved the minutes from previous meetings held on 16 June 2025 and 1 July 2025.

Licensing Application for SD Food & Wine

The main item on the agenda was the application for a new premises licence for SD Food & Wine, which intends to operate as a convenience store and off-licence in the old Cardinal Wolsey pub building. The applicant, Surjit Singh Grover, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 8am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday.

Sumit Anand, the licensing officer, confirmed that the application had been advertised as required and that two representations opposing the application had been received from local residents.

Applicant's Representation

Mr Panchal, the agent for the applicant, Surjit Singh Grover, highlighted Mr. Grover's extensive experience in running off-licences since 2009, with no breaches of licensing conditions. He also noted that the applicant had agreed to a number of conditions with the Metropolitan Police to promote the licensing objectives, including staff training, a refusal book, an incident book, and a Challenge 25 policy¹.

Mr Panchal clarified the layout of the store, stating that alcohol would not be displayed at the entrance and that spirits would be behind the counter. He also addressed concerns about the location of the beer fridge, agreeing to relocate it to an area visible from the counter.

Objections from Interested Parties

Jerry Sheridan, a local resident, raised concerns about public safety due to increased traffic on Hampton Court Road and potential parking issues. He also questioned whether planning regulations permitted the change of use from a pub to a convenience store.

Stefano Kelly, a witness for Mr. Sheridan, expressed concerns about potential crime and disorder, public safety at a nearby bus stop, litter, and the safety of children. He also mentioned that there were rooms above the premises that were being rented out, and that the occupants were causing a disturbance.

Licensing Officer's Comments

Sumit Anand clarified that planning issues were separate from the licensing application but noted that the planning department would be made aware of the concerns raised. She also mentioned that she was unaware of people living above the shop, but that this could be investigated.

Ms. Anand also pointed out that the plan submitted by the applicant was inaccurate, as it showed two doors at the front of the premises when there was only one.

Legal Officer's Comments

Saima Khan, the legal officer, clarified several points, including that the delivery conditions agreed with the police were not required if the applicant was not doing deliveries. She also noted that vapes were not regulated by the committee and that traffic issues were more of a planning consideration.

Decision

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the application for a new premises licence with conditions. The conditions included:

• Amending the licence plan to accurately depict the licensable areas, customer entrance and exits, and fire exits.
• Relocating the beer fridge to the wine area.
• Displaying a notice asking customers to place all litter in bins and to be mindful of protecting deer in Bushy Park.
• Displaying a notice requesting customers arriving by car to use the car park located on The Green.
• Providing a mobile number to nearby residents to report any issues arising from the operation of the premises.
• Ensuring that no more than 20% of the sales area is used for the sale or display of alcohol.

The committee reasoned that the applicant was an experienced operator and had agreed to a number of conditions to address the concerns raised by local residents and the police. The committee also noted that any issues arising after the grant of the licence could be addressed through a review process.

Councillor Lesley Pollesche, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, stated that the decision would be communicated in full within five working days.

Approval of Minutes

The committee approved the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee hearings held on Wednesday 16 June 2025 and Tuesday 1 July 2025.