The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for SD Food and Wine, located in the former Cardinal Wolsey pub building on Hampton Court Road, East Molesey. The licence permits the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption between 8am and 11pm daily. The decision was made after considering representations from local residents who raised concerns about public safety, crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children.

SD Food and Wine Premises Licence Application

The committee granted a new premises licence to SD Food and Wine, located within the former Cardinal Wolsey pub building at Hampton Court Road, East Molesey KT8 9BW. The licence allows for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 8am and 11pm, seven days a week. The premises will also be open to the public during these hours.

The application received two objections from local residents, Mr. Jerry Sheridan and Ms. Corinne Sheridan, who expressed concerns related to the four licensing objectives. Their primary concerns centred on potential increases in traffic congestion and associated public safety risks on Hampton Court Road, the possibility of increased crime and disorder due to the proximity of a car park at the rear of the premises, and the potential for public nuisance and harm to children from increased alcohol sales and associated anti-social behaviour.

The applicant, Mr. Surjit Singh Grover, represented by Mr. Panchal, highlighted his extensive experience in operating off-licences without any breaches since 2009. He stated that the premises would primarily operate as a convenience store, with alcohol sales accounting for no more than 20% of the overall trade. Mr. Panchal also confirmed that the applicant had agreed to a comprehensive set of 44 conditions with the Metropolitan Police, designed to promote the licensing objectives. These included measures such as CCTV installation, staff training, a Challenge 25 policy, and restrictions on the display and sale of certain types of alcohol.

During the hearing, several clarifications were made regarding the premises' layout and operation. It was confirmed that the premises would occupy the ground floor of the former pub building, not an adjacent annex. The applicant agreed to relocate the beer fridge to ensure better visibility from the counter and to amend the floor plan to accurately reflect customer entrances, exits, and fire exits, ensuring the stairwell to the upper floors would be designated as a fire exit only. Additional conditions were imposed, including signage to encourage responsible litter disposal, particularly concerning its impact on wildlife in Bushy Park, and a notice advising customers arriving by car to use a nearby car park. The applicant also agreed to provide a mobile number to nearby residents for reporting any issues.

The committee noted that while residents raised concerns about parking and the change of use from a pub to a convenience store, these were primarily matters for the planning department. The sale of vapes was also noted as not being a licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003. The committee was satisfied that the agreed conditions, along with the additional imposed conditions, would adequately address the concerns raised by the objectors and promote the licensing objectives. The decision to grant the licence was made, with the understanding that an amended licence plan would need to be submitted within 21 days.