The Licensing Subcommittee of Sutton Council met on Thursday 10 September 2020 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Mellow's Pavilion Cafe. After extensive discussion and consideration of representations from local residents, the committee decided to defer the decision to allow for further dialogue between the applicant and objectors.

Mellow's Pavilion Cafe Premises Licence Application

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Mellow's Pavilion Cafe, located in Mellows Park, Stafford Road, Wellington. The application, submitted by Kearnish Trading Limited, sought to authorise the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and recorded music daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Licensing Officer Hannah Smith presented the report, noting that while no representations were received from responsible authorities, 49 valid objections were lodged by other parties. These objections related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

Applicant David Kerness, owner of Mellow's Pavilion Cafe, explained that the application was primarily a survival strategy to help the business through the winter months, particularly in light of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. He stated that with reduced indoor capacity, the sale of alcohol, to be consumed with hot food, would significantly increase transaction values and help offset losses. Mr. Kerness offered several conditions, including only serving alcohol to those purchasing hot food, limiting alcohol sales to beer and wine, and ceasing alcohol sales at 5:30 p.m. He also proposed a challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales and committed to only serving alcohol with non-amplified, low-level music.

However, numerous local residents, including Mike Crane, Barrett, Shita Patel, and Councillor Edward Joyce, voiced strong objections. Their concerns centred on the potential for increased noise and public nuisance, the creation of a pub-like environment in a family park, and the impact on the safety and well-being of children and elderly residents. Concerns were also raised about the difficulty of controlling alcohol consumption and preventing glasses from being taken from the premises. Councillor Edward Joyce, a local councillor, highlighted that he had received more objections to this application than any other during his ten years on the council, indicating significant local opposition.

Following the submissions, the committee discussed the possibility of postponing the decision to allow for further dialogue. While the applicant expressed willingness to engage with residents, concerns were raised about the financial implications of reapplying and the time constraints for making a decision. Ultimately, the committee agreed to defer the decision until Tuesday, 15 September 2020, at 9 a.m. This postponement is intended to allow for a meeting between the applicant, Councillor Joyce, and objectors to discuss potential conditions and allay fears. A revised schedule of conditions discussed during the meeting will be prepared by officers for review.