The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Tuesday, 9 January 2024, to consider two applications for premises licences. Both applications were granted, subject to various conditions.

Premises Licence Application: 3-7 Park Street, Croydon

The Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for 3-7 Park Street, Croydon, CR0 1YD, for the retail sale of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music. The licence will permit alcohol sales from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am the following day, Monday to Thursday, and 12:00 pm to 3:00 am the following day, Friday to Sunday. Regulated entertainment will be permitted during the same hours.

The applicant, Josephine Williams-Brown, had voluntarily agreed to several conditions following discussions with the Police and the council's Noise Pollution Team. These included conditions for the management of the outdoor smoking area, ensuring no music or drinks are permitted there, and that doors are managed to mitigate noise escape from inside. A noise limiter is to be installed, with the limit set by the Croydon Noise Pollution Team. The applicant also committed to displaying signage encouraging patrons to leave quietly, deploying a minimum of six door supervisors on busy nights, with at least two wearing body-worn cameras, and having one supervisor in the rear outside area at all times it is in use. A written dispersal policy, subject to review, will also be implemented.

While representations were received from an objecting party, they did not attend the hearing. The Sub-Committee noted that a previous licence revocation for noise concerns at the premises was incorrect. The applicant highlighted the intended community use of the building, including workshops and a food bank on Mondays and Tuesdays, and expressed a commitment to a positive working relationship with authorities and the community. The Sub-Committee acknowledged the potential for anti-social behaviour but was satisfied with the applicant's security provisions and commitment to managing noise.

Premises Licence Application: 1416-1418 London Road, Norbury

A premises licence was also granted for 1416-1418 London Road, Norbury, SW16 4BZ, for the provision of late-night refreshment. The licence will permit operation from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am the following day, Monday to Sunday, and on New Year's Eve.

The applicant confirmed that the reference to Challenge 25 in the application was an error and that no alcohol would be sold at the premises. The New Year's Eve hours were amended during the hearing from the initially requested 11:00 pm to 5:00 am to 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. The applicant had already installed CCTV and signage, and agreed to display a sign encouraging patrons to leave quietly. The applicant also confirmed that rubbish collection is managed by Veolia every other day and that they allow nearby residents to use their bins to help keep the rear area clear. Outside tables and chairs are subject to a pavement licence and must be brought inside by 11:00 pm.

Representations were received from a local residents' association. The Sub-Committee noted that the applicant's proposed operating hours on New Year's Eve were amended to address the objector's concerns. The Sub-Committee also clarified that the pavement licence for tables and chairs was separate from this application. The applicant highlighted that neighbouring restaurants in the vicinity are open until 2:00 am and that the restaurant is involved in community fundraising. The Sub-Committee considered that the objective of the prevention of public nuisance was most relevant and noted the importance of focusing on the effect of licensable activities on those living and working in the area.

The Sub-Committee thanked all participants for their attendance and participation in both hearings.