The Licensing Sub-Committee of Merton Council considered an application for a new premises licence for La Tazza Doro, a café and restaurant located at 283 Kingston Road, Raynes Park, SW20 8LB. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises. The hearing included discussions regarding concerns raised by local residents about potential noise, public nuisance, and anti-social behaviour, as well as the applicant's proposed conditions to uphold the licensing objectives.

La Tazza Doro Premises Licence Application

The applicant, represented by Manuel Rocha, applied to sell alcohol for both on-site and off-site consumption between 10:00 and 22:00, seven days a week. The proposed opening hours for the premises were 08:00 to 22:30. Mr. Rocha explained that alcohol sales would complement the food offering and would only be sold to customers dining in or for delivery platforms. He stated the business was not a nightclub or pub and proposed conditions including CCTV, a Challenge 25 policy, staff training, and a refusal book, along with an agreed condition with the Metropolitan Police regarding an incident log.

Representations were received from local residents, Durga Gandhi, Daniel Hayden, and Jo Rooks, who expressed concerns about noise, public nuisance, and anti-social behaviour, citing past issues with the address and noise transmission due to the building's lack of soundproofing. Concerns were also raised about potential increased noise from alcohol consumption, smoking outside, alcohol deliveries, and glass waste disposal, as well as street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

The subcommittee members, Councillor Slawek Szczepanski (Chair), Councillor Gill Manly, and Councillor Nick Thomas, questioned the applicant on various aspects, including the definition of food for alcohol sales and soundproofing. The applicant agreed to a condition that alcohol sales be linked to food purchases. He clarified that any music would be ambient background music, not live performances, and expressed openness to discussing soundproofing with the landlord.

Following discussions and closing statements, the subcommittee retired to consider the application. The decision notice detailing the outcome and any conditions would be provided to all parties within five working days. The transcript indicates the subcommittee was about to retire to a closed session to make a decision, and that a decision notice would be issued within five working days.