The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to consider two applications. The committee granted a variation to the premises licence for McDonald's on Balham High Road, allowing for 24-hour trading. They also granted a new premises licence for Roha Park Cafe in Windmill Gardens, permitting the sale of alcohol and recorded music, with certain conditions.

McDonald's, Balham High Road

The subcommittee considered an application from Inspire Restaurants Limited to extend the hours for the provision of late-night refreshment at the McDonald's restaurant located at 159 Balham High Road, London, SW12 9AU. The variation sought to allow the premises to trade 24 hours a day.

The application received one representation from a member of the public, who raised concerns about potential noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. However, the Environmental Services Officer initially raised a representation regarding noise but subsequently withdrew it after further consultation, acknowledging factors such as the location and operating record.

The applicant, represented by Ken Stanzabelle, a barrister, argued that the extension was a straightforward business request. They highlighted that the premises already operated for extended hours and that the change would primarily benefit staff by creating more logical shift patterns. Mr. Stanzabelle also noted that planning permission for 24-hour operation had already been granted by the council. Councillor Tom Pridham asked clarifying questions about the proposed security arrangements and how the 24-hour provision compared to the council's standard policy. Councillor Norman Marshall, Chair of the subcommittee, also inquired about the number of security personnel. The applicant confirmed that the existing two SIA-registered door supervisors would continue to be employed.

The subcommittee decided to grant the application for the variation of the premises licence. The decision notice for this application can be found here.

Roha Park Cafe, Windmill Gardens

The subcommittee then considered a new application for a premises licence for Roha Park Cafe, located at Windmill Gardens, One O'Clock Building, Heathfield Road, London, SW18 2PH. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and the provision of regulated entertainment (recorded music).

The application received six representations from other persons, raising concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Specific concerns included the cumulative impact of increased activity in a residential area, litter, public disorder, and children being exposed to the sale of alcohol.

The Police had initially raised concerns about the operating schedule not adequately addressing crime and disorder, requesting conditions such as an incident log, CCTV system, a refusals log, and staff training. However, these concerns were addressed by the applicant, who amended their operating schedule to include these conditions, leading to the withdrawal of the Police representation. Trading Standards also raised concerns regarding the protection of children from harm, requesting conditions for age verification and signage, which were also incorporated into the operating schedule, leading to the withdrawal of their representation.

During the hearing, Dr. Amelia Hughes and Mr. Peter Farrow, among others, made representations. Dr. Hughes expressed concerns about the potential for noise disturbance and the inappropriability of alcohol sales next to a children's play park, describing the application as planning by stealth. Mr. Farrow echoed these concerns, suggesting that alcohol sales and music were inappropriate given the proximity to the children's playground and residential properties, and proposed reduced hours.

The applicant, Inesa Qalliia, stated that Roha Park Cafe would be a small, family-run business focused on coffee, food, and light refreshments, and that alcohol would be supplementary and light, such as wine and beer. She confirmed that alcohol would not be served as cocktails and that there would be no music played outside. She also clarified that the proposed outdoor seating would not be visible from the playground.

Councillor Pridham asked about the number of covers and plans for music. Councillor Marshall inquired about the proposed hours for alcohol sales, noting a discrepancy between the application and the applicant's verbal statement.

The subcommittee decided to grant the application for a new premises licence. Conditions were imposed, including those agreed with the Police and Trading Standards, and further conditions were added. These included the requirement for CCTV, an incident log, a refusals log, toughened or polycarbonate containers for drinks in external seating areas, and staff training on age checks. The hours for the sale of alcohol were set from 10:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 11:00 to 22:00 on Sundays. Recorded music was permitted until 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 22:30 on Sundays. The decision notice for this application can be found here.