The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday 29 January 2026 was adjourned due to significant discrepancies in the information provided regarding the application for a new premises licence for The Mirror Cafe. The adjournment was deemed necessary to ensure a lawful and fair process, allowing for a re-consultation and a fresh hearing with accurate information.

Adjournment of The Mirror Cafe Premises Licence Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting was adjourned due to concerns raised about the accuracy and completeness of the information presented for the application for a new premises licence for The Mirror Cafe, located at 4 Church Court, Richmond TW9 1JL. This adjournment was decided to ensure that all parties involved had access to correct information and that the licensing objectives could be properly considered.

The primary reason for the adjournment was a significant error identified regarding the advertised hours for the sale of alcohol. While the council's website had listed the hours as 22:30, the actual application and public notices indicated later hours. This discrepancy led to concerns that objectors may have been misled, potentially impacting their ability to make informed representations. Mr. Peter Willan, representing the Friends of Richmond Green (FoRG), highlighted this issue, stating, if people don't know what the hours are and you're now adding hours that is frankly — wholly unacceptable.

Further concerns were raised by Mr. Willan regarding the accuracy of the plans and seating arrangements presented in the agenda. He noted discrepancies between the diagram on page 17 of the agenda pack, which showed 14 seats upstairs and 8 downstairs, and his own observations of the premises. Additionally, questions were raised about the location of toilets and fire exits in the basement area, and the maximum capacity for private events.

The applicant, Ms. Evren Yazici, acknowledged that some actions were not appropriate due to her inexperience with licensing regulations, but stated her intention to operate a food-led cafe with strictly regulated, pre-booked entertainment and alcohol service. She expressed willingness to accept strict conditions on her licence.

However, the issue of inaccurate information led to a consensus among the committee members and interested parties to adjourn the hearing. Councillor Rob O'Carroll stated, I always want to make any decision we make either way to be as lawful as possible and given that there are concerns about people not getting their right to comment we are working with not enough information so I'd be much happier if this was delayed.

The adjournment means that the entire consultation process will likely need to be restarted, with all parties being informed of the correct procedure moving forward. The Mirror Cafe will continue to operate without an alcohol licence until a new hearing can be held and a decision made.