The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to consider two applications: a new premises licence for Billi Boom Boom and a variation to the premises licence for The Albert Arms. The committee granted the new premises licence for Billi Boom Boom with amended hours and granted the variation for The Albert Arms, extending its external terrace operating hours.

Billi Boom Boom Premises Licence Application

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Billi Boom Boom, located at 181 High Street, New Malden, KT3 4BH. The application sought authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between 11 am and 11 pm daily.

Hannah Smith, the Licensing Officer, introduced the report, noting that initial concerns raised by Trading Standards had been addressed by the applicant through amendments to their operating schedule. One representation was received from an Other Person, raising concerns about potential noise, anti-social behaviour, and parking issues, relating to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

Nick Semper, the applicant's agent, presented the case, emphasising that Billi Boom Boom would be a high-end Chinese restaurant operating within reasonable hours and that the trading name, Billi Boom Boom, derived from a Chinese pronunciation meaning a thriving business, not a noisy establishment. He clarified that no provision was sought for live or recorded music, karaoke, or dance performances, with the concept focused purely on fine dining. Mr. Semper assured the committee that robust CCTV systems would be in place and that parking concerns were a matter for the highways authority, though the applicant would address any irresponsible parking by their customers. He also highlighted that the application was in line with the council's licensing policy and that the single representation was based on fear and speculation rather than evidence.

Councillor Peter Herlinger questioned the proposed 11 pm terminal hour, asking if a drinking up period would be considered. Mr. Semper agreed to amend the operating schedule to conclude on-sales of alcohol at 10:45 pm, a proposal that was accepted by the applicant's representative, Jocelyn Fu. Councillor Herlinger also commented on the name Billi Boom Boom, suggesting it might attract the wrong crowd, but left this to the applicant's judgment.

The committee noted that no representations were received from responsible authorities. The written representation from the Other Person was considered, but the applicant's agent had not received a response to attempts to engage with the individual.

Decision: The committee granted the new premises licence for Billi Boom Boom. The on-sales of alcohol were amended to conclude at 10:45 pm, with the premises closing at 11 pm daily.

The Albert Arms Premises Licence Variation

The committee then considered an application for a variation of the premises licence for The Albert Arms, located at 57 Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7PX. The application sought to amend Condition 22 of the existing licence to allow customer use of the Middle Terrace and Lower Terrace external areas until 10 pm (11 pm on Sundays), an extension from the current 9 pm restriction. All other licensable activities, hours, and conditions were to remain unchanged.

Binny Day, the Licensing Officer, explained that the application was to extend the hours for customer use of two external terraces by one hour. She confirmed that no representations were received from responsible authorities. However, three valid representations were received from Other Persons : two in support and one in objection. The objection related to the prevention of public nuisance.

James Anderson, the applicant's agent, explained that the terraces were developed from a former car park in 2024 and were popular with diners and families, particularly in warmer weather. He stated that the current 9 pm closure was a condition offered by the applicant and not imposed by the council. He argued that extending the hours to 10 pm would be beneficial for the business and customers, aligning with the council's policy guidelines. Mr. Anderson highlighted that there had been no complaints regarding noise from these external areas in the past 12 months, and that Fiona Corkery, the General Manager and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), maintained good relationships with local residents.

Councillor Olly Wehring asked about the history of complaints, and Ms. Day confirmed that the last complaint regarding excessive loud music was in 2022. Mr. Anderson stated that since Ms. Corkery took over 12 months prior, there had been no complaints. He also mentioned that Ms. Corkery had attempted to contact the objector, Abigail, to discuss her concerns but had not received a response.

Councillor Peter Herlinger inquired about the enforceability of the stop times and how it would differ with the later hour. Ms. Corkery explained that enforcement would remain stringent, with the same approach applied but an hour later. She confirmed that Condition 20, allowing for an override of licensing hours, had not been applied to the terraces.

Mr. Simon Prentice, a local resident, spoke in support of the application. He stated he had lived in the area since 1997 and had never experienced noise or nuisance from The Albert Arms, describing it as an asset to the community. He noted the pub's long history and its popularity with hospital staff and park visitors. Mr. Prentice argued against objections to the sounds of conviviality and supported the request for an extra hour, stating that 9 pm was a little bit early.

Councillor Jackie Davies, Chair of the subcommittee, acknowledged the objector's concerns about noise and the potential for noise from people leaving the premises. Ms. Corkery explained that she lived on-site and was always present, and that she had provided her personal mobile number to residents for direct communication. She also noted that the proposed extension would allow for a more natural dispersal of customers, with more people likely to move inside or leave of their own accord by 10 pm.

Decision: The subcommittee granted the variation to amend Condition 22, allowing customer use of the Middle Terrace and Lower Terrace until 10 pm daily (11 pm on Sundays).