The Licensing Sub-Committee considered two applications for new premises licences: one for the Ancient Marketplace and another for Market House, both located in Kingston upon Thames. The committee granted the licence for the Ancient Marketplace with conditions, but postponed the decision for Market House to allow for further consideration of the proposed hours and conditions.

Ancient Marketplace Premises Licence Application

The application for a new premises licence for the Ancient Marketplace, submitted by Between the Bridges Ltd, was discussed. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, as well as regulated entertainment including film exhibition, live music, and recorded music, with proposed hours from 9 am to 10 pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 9 am to 11 pm Thursday to Saturday.

Representations: Responsible authorities did not make any representations against the application. However, five representations were received from other persons: one in support and four against. One objection was later withdrawn, leaving three objections and one in support to be considered. The objections primarily focused on the potential for public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety due to the proposed hours and activities. Concerns were raised about noise from music and crowds, litter, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on nearby residents, particularly those living in older buildings with less sound insulation.

Applicant's Case: The applicant's representative, Philip Colvin KC, argued that the revitalisation of the Ancient Marketplace was part of a wider council strategy to enhance the town's retail, cultural, and heritage offer. He emphasised that the proposals followed extensive public consultation and engagement, and that the operating schedule included robust measures to promote the licensing objectives. He assured objectors that noise from routine activities would be background music, and that any larger events would have specific management plans, including noise management plans. The applicant highlighted their experience operating similar venues, such as Venn Street in Clapham, and their commitment to being a good neighbour.

Discussions and Concerns: Councillors raised several points during the hearing. Councillor Mark Beynon questioned the definition of late in relation to music, and Councillor Andrew Wooldridge delved into the frequency and nature of events, the expected attendance, and the dispersal policy. Specific concerns were raised about managing crowds and noise late at night, particularly given the public nature of the square and the proximity of residential properties. The applicant proposed a dispersal policy and suggested conditions such as making seating unusable late at night to discourage congregation. The potential for noise from smoking areas and the management of litter were also discussed.

Decision: The committee granted the licence for the Ancient Marketplace, subject to conditions. These conditions included the implementation of a CCTV system, a documented risk assessment for SIA registered supervisors, an incident logbook, staff training on alcohol sales, a dispersal policy, and a Noise Management Plan (NMP). Specific conditions were also put in place regarding the management of external areas, smoking areas, and litter. For events where live music or live football broadcasts were the primary attraction, an Event Safety Management Document was required to be submitted to the Licensing Authority, Metropolitan Police, and Emergency Planning Authority at least one month in advance, with an absolute power of veto for these authorities.

Market House Premises Licence Application

The second application considered was for a new premises licence for Market House, also submitted by Between the Bridges Ltd. This application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, live and recorded music indoors, and late-night refreshment. The proposed hours were Monday to Wednesday from 9 am to midnight, Thursday to Saturday from 9 am to 1 am the following day, and Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm.

Representations: Similar to the Ancient Marketplace application, responsible authorities made no representations. However, five representations were received from other persons: four against and one in support. The objections focused on the potential for increased noise disturbance, crime and disorder, and public nuisance due to the later hours requested, particularly until 1 am on Thursday to Saturday. Concerns were raised about noise from music, customer dispersal, and the cumulative impact on a residential area.

Applicant's Case: The applicant reiterated their commitment to responsible operation and highlighted the proposed conditions in their operating schedule, which included CCTV, SIA supervisors for late hours, an incident logbook, staff training, a dispersal policy, and a Noise Management Plan. A specific condition was proposed for a noise limiter to be fitted to the amplification system on the first floor, set to a level agreed with the Environmental Health Service.

Discussions and Concerns: Councillors expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed late hours, especially the 1 am finish on Thursdays to Saturdays. Councillor Andrew Wooldridge specifically questioned the impact of these extended hours on residents, referencing previous issues with late-night venues like Sonny's and the potential for increased disturbance from customer dispersal and late-night refreshment activities. The proximity of residential properties and the potential for noise to travel were key considerations. The applicant's representative, Philip Colvin KC, argued for the flexibility of the proposed hours, stating they were necessary for the business model and that the proposed conditions would mitigate any potential issues.

Decision: The committee decided to postpone the decision on the Market House application. This was to allow for further consideration of the proposed hours and conditions, particularly in light of the representations received and the concerns raised by the councillors regarding the potential impact on the licensing objectives. The applicant and objectors were informed that a decision would follow after further deliberation.