The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Monday 26 February 2024 to consider a licensing application for Cafe Rosa. The committee decided to grant the application for a new Premises Licence, subject to a number of conditions.

Licensing Application for Cafe Rosa

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application for a new Premises Licence for Cafe Rosa, located at 106A Alexandra Drive, Surbiton, KT5 9AG. The application, submitted by Rocha Consultancy on behalf of Ferosa Feresha De Barros, sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 22:00.

During the meeting, the Licensing Officer outlined the application and noted that while the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Environmental Health (Noise Pollution) Officer initially raised concerns, these were addressed through amendments to the applicant's operating schedule. Consequently, no representations were received from Responsible Authorities.

However, seven valid representations were received from Other Persons ¹, raising concerns related to all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Key concerns included potential increases in noise and litter, the impact of extended hours on a residential area, and the risk of exposing children to inappropriate behaviour.

The applicant's agent explained that Cafe Rosa is a long-standing family-run business and that the alcohol licence would provide financial support. They emphasised that the premises would not become a bar or disco, and alcohol would be served in a controlled manner, primarily with food. The applicant also committed to adhering to all proposed conditions to protect the licensing objectives.

After hearing from the applicant, their agent, and two residents who had made representations, the Sub-Committee considered the application in line with the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy² and guidance from the Secretary of State. The committee noted that the proposed hours for licensable activities were within the guideline hours set out in the Council's policy.

The decision to grant the licence was made with a number of conditions attached, including:

• Hours:
  • Sale of alcohol (on and off sales): Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 22:00.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 22:30.
• Conditions arising from the applicant's Operating Schedule: These covered various aspects including:
  • Prevention of crime and disorder: Requirements for CCTV, restaurant conditions (alcohol served only with substantial meals), restrictions on alcohol strength (no ABV above 6%), detailed conditions for alcohol delivery, comprehensive staff training on alcohol sales, and an incident logbook.
  • Prevention of public nuisance: Staff training on asking customers to leave quietly, signage encouraging quiet dispersal, and specific rules for external drinking areas (closing at 22:00).
  • Protection of children from harm: Implementation of a Challenge 25 age verification policy, prominent display of notices regarding sales to children, and a refusals book.

The Licensing Sub-Committee also noted that the area already had several premises selling alcohol and that Cafe Rosa's operation, focused on food with ancillary alcohol sales, was not expected to add significantly to cumulative impact. The applicant offered to reduce the closing time for external seating to 21:00, but the committee noted the proposed 22:00 closing was in line with guideline hours. The committee also highlighted its power to review the licence should any problems arise.