The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a time-limited premises licence for an event at Wandle Park, Croydon, CR0 3RD, despite objections concerning noise and parking. However, the application for a premises licence at 18 Central Parade, New Addington, Croydon, CR0 0JB, was refused due to concerns about the applicant's previous criminal conviction and failure to demonstrate compliance with licensing objectives, particularly in a cumulative impact area.

Wandle Park Premises Licence Application

The Sub-Committee granted a time-limited premises licence for an event at Wandle Park, Croydon, CR0 3RD, to be held on Saturday, 20 July 2024. The licence permits the provision of regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music, from 13:00 to 21:00, and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises from 13:00 to 20:30.

The decision was made after considering representations from residents, primarily concerning noise pollution, parking issues, and anti-social behaviour associated with previous events in the park. Leah Shuttleworth, representing concerned residents, highlighted issues such as loud music, residents being unable to enjoy their homes, difficulties with parking due to vouchers being distributed, and instances of abuse and vandalism. She suggested alternative locations like Lloyd Park for such events.

Ramone Roper, the applicant, and Calvin Hanks, the health and safety officer, addressed these concerns. They emphasised that parking was not a licensing objective and highlighted the extensive security measures planned, including a 1:50 SIA security to attendee ratio, bag and person searches, the use of sniffer dogs, and a staggered entrance system. They also confirmed adherence to noise level regulations and the provision of a noise hotline for residents. The applicant agreed to specific conditions, including preventing customers from leaving with open containers and a last entry time of 18:00. The Sub-Committee noted that the proposed conditions, particularly regarding noise management and security deployment, were robust.

The Sub-Committee acknowledged the residents' concerns about traffic management and parking but stated these were not directly within their remit under the Licensing Act 2003. However, they noted the applicant's plans to mitigate these issues through a traffic management plan, which would be finalised through the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) process. The SAG process involves collaboration with various agencies, including the Police, Fire Brigade, and Transport for London, to assess event safety.

The Sub-Committee granted the licence, satisfied that the proposed conditions and the applicant's engagement with responsible authorities and residents were sufficient to promote the licensing objectives. The decision was subject to the conditions offered by the applicant, including those agreed with the Police and Trading Standards, and mandatory conditions under the Licensing Act 2003. The Sub-Committee also noted amendments to two conditions regarding preventing customers from leaving with open containers and a last entry time of 18:00.

18 Central Parade Premises Licence Application

The Sub-Committee refused the application for a premises licence for Go Local at 18 Central Parade, New Addington, Croydon, CR0 0JB. The application sought to sell alcohol from Monday to Sunday between 08:00 and 23:00.

Representations were received from Croydon Trading Standards, who objected to the application on the grounds of the applicant, Mr Vijay Komar's, previous criminal conviction. Mr Komar was the sole director of Waheguru International Ltd, which was prosecuted on 25 March 2024 for possessing and exposing for supply non-compliant vapes at their premises, AM to PM, at 15 Central Parade. The company was fined £7,071. Trading Standards argued that this conviction demonstrated a lack of confidence in Mr Komar's ability to uphold licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety, and showed a propensity to disregard the law.

During the hearing, it was revealed that the premises at 18 Central Parade had been operating and selling alcohol without a valid premises licence since December 2022, compounding concerns about legal compliance. The applicant's agent suggested this was due to the previous owner not informing Mr Komar of the company's dissolution, but the Sub-Committee found this explanation insufficient, highlighting the applicant's responsibility to ensure legal authority to trade.

The premises also falls within Cumulative Impact Area 4, which covers Central Parade, New Addington. This policy creates a presumption of refusal for new applications or material variations for off-licences due to high levels of alcohol-related crime and hospital admissions. The applicant failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to override this policy.

The Sub-Committee concluded that granting the licence would likely compromise the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety, given the applicant's past conduct and the premises' location within a cumulative impact area. Therefore, the application was refused.