The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee granted a licence for Dr Cloud, a retail alcohol off-licence, and granted a licence in part for Serve Bar and Café, authorising alcohol sales, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshments.

Dr Cloud Premises Licence Application

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Dr Cloud, located at Unit 4, Chessington North Railway Station, Bridge Road, Chessington, KT9 2RT. The application sought authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm.

During the hearing, it was noted that while Trading Standards had initially raised concerns regarding the protection of children from harm, these were resolved through amendments to the applicant's operating schedule. Six valid representations were received from other persons, raising concerns related to all four licensing objectives. These representations highlighted issues such as increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and potential harm to children due to the proximity of the premises to a railway station and existing residential areas. Concerns were also raised about the proposed extended hours, which represented a significant expansion from the current operating hours.

The applicant's agent, Maninder Kaur of Personal Licence Courses UK, emphasised the Designated Premises Supervisor's (DPS) experience in the age-restricted retail sector and operating an off-licence. She reiterated that the matter of need for the premises was not a licensing consideration and highlighted the absence of objections from the Metropolitan Police, who are the primary authority on crime and disorder. The agent also pointed out that measures such as CCTV, Challenge 25, and staff training were already included in the operating schedule and would become binding licence conditions.

Following deliberation, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to GRANT the application for a new premises licence. The licence authorises the sale by retail of alcohol (off-sales) and the opening hours to be from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. The decision was made subject to conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule, which included comprehensive measures for CCTV, an incident log, alcohol restrictions, staff training, public safety alarms, and age verification.

Serve Bar and Café Premises Licence Application

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Serve Bar and Café, located at 78 Richmond Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT2 5EL. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol (on and off-sales), regulated entertainment (live and recorded music), and late-night refreshments, all daily from 8:00 am to midnight.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police concerning the prevention of crime and disorder. However, these concerns were addressed through amendments to the applicant's operating schedule, leading to the withdrawal of their representation. Five 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 objections focused on potential noise from music and customers, particularly late at night, and the cumulative impact on the residential area.

The applicant, Moslem Shekoohi, representing Mr. Taster Ltd, described the premises as a small, family-run café with 25 covers, intending to offer flexibility for parties with occasional live music or a DJ. He stated that outdoor seating would be removed by 10:00 pm, and windows and doors would be closed during music performances. He also confirmed that the premises would primarily operate as a café serving snacks and finger foods, with no immediate plans for a full kitchen.

During questioning, there was some clarification needed regarding the café/restaurant condition agreed with the police, with the applicant explaining that a full kitchen was a future possibility, not an immediate plan. Concerns were also raised by residents regarding noise, particularly from music and customer dispersal, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour. One representation specifically highlighted concerns about the rear mews area, which the applicant clarified would not be used by customers.

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to GRANT IN PART the application for a new premises licence, subject to amended conditions. The usual operating hours for opening, sale of alcohol, and late-night refreshment were set from 8:00 am to 11:30 pm daily, with alcohol sales permitted until 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music, was restricted to a maximum of six times per month, for up to three hours per event, concluding by 11:30 pm, with the premises closing by midnight. Additional conditions were imposed, including no deliveries or refuse disposal between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am, and a condition that no noise generated on the premises should emanate from it or be transmitted through the structure to cause a nuisance. The condition that the premises would be used primarily as a café/restaurant was also retained.