The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for a fast-food outlet. The meeting agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application for Premises Licence at 152 Wickham Road, Croydon

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Morleys Fried Chicken at 152 Wickham Road, Croydon, CR0 8BF. The application, submitted by SJM and R pvt ltd, sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 00:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, and 23:00 to 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report pack indicated that the application was subject to representations, necessitating a hearing. The applicant had amended their requested hours following discussions with the Police Licensing Officer and had also proposed conditions to be attached to the licence, as recommended by the Council's Pollution Team.

Numerous objections were lodged by local residents and a local councillor, Councillor Sue Bennett, raising concerns across all four licensing objectives:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Concerns were raised that extended hours would attract late-night customers, potentially leading to increased congregation, anti-social behaviour, and a magnet for undesirable activity, particularly in a residential area.
• Public Safety: Objections highlighted potential risks from increased vehicle movements, parking congestion on residential streets, and the general safety of the area during unsociable hours.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance: A significant number of representations focused on potential noise from customers, vehicles, and general disturbance during the night. Littering and the impact of cooking odours were also cited as concerns. Residents noted that existing businesses in the area closed much earlier, typically by 23:00, and that the proposed hours were out of character with the predominantly residential nature of the surroundings.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Some objections suggested that late-night operations could encourage children to congregate at unsociable hours and that the proximity to schools, coupled with the nature of fast food, was not conducive to healthy eating initiatives.

The report pack also detailed the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, which outlines the framework for considering such applications, including the importance of the character of the surrounding area and the potential cumulative impact of licensed premises. The policy also addresses the need to promote the four licensing objectives and outlines the Council's approach to cumulative impact assessments and special policies in certain areas of Croydon.

The Sub-Committee was asked to determine whether to grant the application, potentially with variations or additional conditions, or to refuse it. The report pack did not contain information on any decisions made during the meeting.