The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to consider two applications for premises licences. The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for The Biryani Centre and a variation to the premises licence for Hot Rod Burger.

The Biryani Centre, 94 Burlington Road, New Malden, KT3 4NT

The subcommittee considered an application for a new premises licence for The Biryani Centre. The application sought to authorise the retail sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, and the provision of regulated entertainment (recorded music only) from 12 midday to 10pm daily.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police regarding concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. However, following mediation and amendments to the operating schedule, these concerns were satisfied and the representation was withdrawn. Two valid representations were received from other persons, raising concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These representations highlighted potential increases in alcohol-related issues, litter, noise, and anti-social behaviour due to the proposed alcohol sales.

The applicant, TBC Chapter 2 Limited, stated that their business model would not change, and they simply wished to offer a glass of wine or beer with meals. They assured the subcommittee that they were responsible business owners and would take full responsibility for resolving any complaints. They also confirmed that their Southfields branch had operated with an alcohol licence for two years without incident.

The subcommittee withdrew to make its decision regarding the new premises licence for The Biryani Centre. The decision was to be confirmed by email and a full decision notice with reasons would be sent within five working days.

Hot Rod Burger, 69 Surbiton Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2HG

The subcommittee also considered an application to vary the premises licence for Hot Rod Burger. The application sought to extend the hours for customer use of the restaurant area until midnight daily, and to extend the hours for late-night refreshment collections by the public until 2am daily. The applicant also sought to remove existing conditions related to hours of operation and deliveries, and to add new conditions regarding customer access and the behaviour of delivery drivers.

The Metropolitan Police Service objected to the application, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. They argued that extending public access until 2am would increase footfall and congregation during high-risk periods, potentially leading to more incidents of violence, public order offences, and anti-social behaviour. They also raised concerns about noise and disturbance from customers and delivery drivers, and the cumulative impact on the town centre's night-time economy.

Representations were also received from other persons, including Councillor James Giles and local residents. Concerns focused on the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. Specific issues raised included increased noise from customers and delivery vehicles, obstruction of a private service road by delivery drivers, waste disposal problems, and the impact of bright external lighting. Councillor Giles specifically highlighted the potential for increased footfall and vehicle movements until 2am, and the associated noise and disturbance.

The applicant's agent, Stewart Gibson, argued that the proposed changes were primarily about the method of delivery and collection, not extending the overall terminal hour for late-night refreshment. He stated that customers would only be granted access for pre-ordered collections between midnight and 2am, and that after 2am, the premises would operate by delivery service only. He also proposed new conditions to address concerns about delivery drivers' behaviour, parking, external lighting, and waste.

The subcommittee withdrew to make its decision regarding the variation to the premises licence for Hot Rod Burger. The decision was to be confirmed by email and a full decision notice with reasons would be sent within five working days.