The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on 22 January 2024 and 5 February 2024 to consider two applications. The committee granted a variation to a premises licence for 83-84 High Street, South Norwood, SE25 6EA, allowing for extended hours for recorded music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales. The committee also granted a new premises licence for 6 Beddington Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon, CR0 3HG, for the sale of alcohol.

Variation to Premises Licence at 83-84 High Street, South Norwood, SE25 6EA

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for 83-84 High Street, South Norwood, SE25 6EA, known as the Jungle Bar. The application sought to extend the terminal hours for playing recorded music, providing late-night refreshment, and selling alcohol. The proposed new hours were Sunday to Thursday until 00:30 and Friday and Saturday until 02:00, with extensions until 02:00 on bank holidays, the day before bank holidays, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve.

During the hearing, local residents Faith Oswell-Jones and Jenny Patel raised objections. Their concerns included issues with noise, litter (including broken glass and laughing gas canisters), patrons congregating outside the premises, and potential breaches of current licensing hours. They argued that extending the hours would exacerbate these problems and negatively impact the residential nature of the area.

The applicant's agent, Robert Sutherland, refuted allegations of breaches and stated that the premises operated in compliance with its licence. He highlighted regular meetings with the police and noise pollution team, and the successful operation of numerous Temporary Event Notices (TENs) without objection. The applicant also offered an additional condition to ensure litter was cleared from the immediate vicinity of the premises at closing time.

After deliberation, the Sub-Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the variation to the premises licence. The decision was based on the belief that it would be appropriate to promote the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance. The Sub-Committee noted the lack of objections from Environmental Health and the Police, and that the applicant had amended their application to include further conditions and reduce the requested terminal hours. They also acknowledged the applicant's offer of a daily litter pick. The Sub-Committee recommended that the applicant establish more formal communication channels with local residents.

Application for a Premises Licence at 6 Beddington Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon, CR0 3HG

The Sub-Committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for 6 Beddington Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon, CR0 3HG, for the sale of alcohol. The application proposed operating hours of Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 23:30 and Friday and Saturday from 08:00 to 00:00.

The initial hearing on 22 January 2024 was adjourned at the request of Miss Crossfield, legal representative for an objector, due to an alleged recent police investigation connected to the application. The adjournment was granted to allow for the receipt of additional information.

The reconvened hearing on 5 February 2024 proceeded after the Sub-Committee determined there would be no further adjournment, noting that the police had indicated their investigation was closed and it was not the council's role to investigate police matters.

Representations were made by Mr. Raj Boodhoo, representing Mr. Sinnathamby, and by Mr. Shabanathan. Concerns were raised about increased alcohol consumption, health and safety issues, the impact on school children, the existing number of off-licences in the area, and potential increases in litter, noise pollution, and anti-social behaviour. Mr. Shabanathan reported experiencing anti-social behaviour and littering near the proposed premises.

The applicant's agent, Mr. Nira Suresh, stated that the applicant would adhere to licensing objectives and the conditions agreed with the police, including reduced hours. He argued that litter and anti-social behaviour were not caused by the proposed premises and that competition could be positive. The applicant also agreed to ensure no beer, lager, or cider above 6.5% ABV would be sold and to clean the vicinity of the premises.

The Licensing Officer clarified that the premises was not located within a cumulative impact area and that commercial need was not a factor in licensing decisions. The petition submitted by an objector was not considered a relevant representation as it lacked specific links to the licensing objectives.

The Sub-Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the premises licence. The decision was based on the promotion of the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance. The Sub-Committee noted that no objections were received from Environmental Health or the Police. They also acknowledged that while anti-social behaviour and littering occurred in the vicinity, it was not established that these issues emanated from the proposed premises. The Sub-Committee reiterated that issues beyond the immediate vicinity of the premises are matters for individual responsibility.