The Licensing Sub-Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Wednesday 8 April 2026, with the meeting being adjourned and reconvened on Wednesday 15 April 2026. The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Shell UK Oil Products Limited at Blackhorse Garage, 174 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1XE, and ultimately refused the application.

Shell UK Oil Products Limited - Blackhorse Garage, 174 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1XE

The Licensing Sub-Committee refused the application for a new premises licence for Shell UK Oil Products Limited at Blackhorse Garage, 174 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1XE. The application sought to extend the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The decision to refuse the application was made after careful consideration of all written and oral evidence presented. The Sub-Committee took into account the licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. They also considered the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy and the Home Office Guidance.

Several interested parties, including local residents, Councillor Richard Warren, the Friends of Richmond Green, and The Richmond Society, had made representations against the application. Their primary concerns were that the 24-hour sale of alcohol in a predominantly residential area would lead to an increase in noise, disturbance, and anti-social behaviour during late evening and early morning hours. They also raised concerns about public safety due to the potential for increased littering and broken glass, and the risk to children attending nearby schools and activity classes.

The applicant, Shell UK Oil Products Limited, argued that the premises had operated responsibly for decades and that extending the hours would promote economic growth and support the 24-hour economy. They highlighted that no objections were received from Responsible Authorities, such as the police, and that the premises already operated 24 hours a day for late-night refreshment. They also suggested that conditions could be imposed, such as a closed-door policy during certain hours, to mitigate concerns.

However, the Sub-Committee concluded that the premises' proximity to residential properties and vulnerable groups, including sheltered accommodation for the elderly and accommodation for vulnerable residents, made it an unsuitable location for 24-hour alcohol sales. They noted existing issues with street drinking in the local vicinity and believed that extending alcohol sales would exacerbate these problems, leading to increased noise and anti-social behaviour. The Sub-Committee felt that no additional conditions could adequately control the risks to the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance.

The initial hearing on 8 April 2026 was adjourned at the request of the applicant's legal representative, who was unable to secure specialist counsel due to the Easter holiday. The hearing reconvened on 15 April 2026 to hear the full evidence and make a decision.

The decision notice for this application can be found at DCN Shell UK Oil Products Limited LSC 15.04.26.pdf.

Procedure to be followed for the Hearing

The Chair outlined the procedure that would be followed during the hearing.

Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest made by the committee members.

Minutes

The minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee hearings held on Tuesday 10 March 2026 and Friday 13 March 2026 were approved and the Chair was authorised to sign them. These minutes can be found in the Public minutes Wednesday 08-Apr-2026 11.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf.