The Licensing Sub-Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Wednesday 17 January 2024 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Kostless Food & Wine. The meeting's agenda focused solely on this application, with no other items scheduled for discussion.

Kostless Food & Wine, Balham High Road

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Kostless Food & Wine, located at 9-11 Balham High Road, London SW12 9AJ. The applicant, Mr. John Hussein, sought to continue the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. The premises previously held a licence which lapsed in 2021 following the death of the previous licence holder.

The proposed hours for the sale of alcohol were from 7:00 AM to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The opening hours were proposed to match these times.

Representations were received from responsible authorities and other persons. The Metropolitan Police raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, requesting conditions related to a security incident log, restrictions on the sale of single beers, lagers, or ciders above 6% ABV, and a minimum spirit bottle size of 20cl. Trading Standards expressed concerns about the protection of children from harm, requesting conditions for notices at points of sale detailing restrictions on alcohol sales to children, a record of refusals, visual or aural reminders regarding sales to minors, and staff training.

Following consultation, the applicant agreed to amendments to the operating schedule to address the concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police and Trading Standards. These amendments were reflected in the proposed conditions.

One representation was received from an other person concerning public nuisance and crime and disorder. This representation highlighted issues such as customers causing nuisance through shouting and drinking outside the shop or in the nearby seating area, and cars stopping late at night.

The report pack indicated that the Sub-Committee would need to consider the application in light of the Licensing Act 2003, the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and relevant statutory guidance. The potential steps for the Sub-Committee included granting the application as requested, modifying the conditions of the licence, or rejecting the application in whole or in part. The report also detailed mandatory conditions and conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule and representations, which would become part of the licence if granted.

The report pack included appendices detailing the proposed conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule, such as the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, the use of a security incident log, restrictions on certain alcohol sales, and the implementation of a Challenge 25 age verification policy. Staff training requirements were also outlined.

The meeting was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 17th January 2024, at 7:00 PM in Room 123 of The Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, Wandsworth SW18 2PU. A live webcast of the meeting was available.