The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 16 July 2024 to consider an application for a variation of a premises licence for Morley's Chicken Kingston. The committee refused the application, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. Additionally, the committee heard an application for a variation of a premises licence for The Royal Oak, which was subsequently withdrawn.

Morley's Chicken Kingston - Application for Variation of Premises Licence

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application from Kear79 Ltd for a variation to the premises licence for Morley's Chicken Kingston, located at 46 Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1SU. The application sought to extend the hours for the provision of late-night refreshments, from Sundays to Thursdays until 1:00 AM and on Fridays and Saturdays until 3:00 AM. After 11:00 PM daily, the restaurant area would be closed to seated customers, operating solely as a takeaway and delivery service.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the Council's Environmental Health Officer (Pollution Control), both raising concerns about the potential impact on the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and preventing public nuisance. The Metropolitan Police highlighted that Fife Road is a known crime hotspot and that the proposed extension could undermine efforts to reduce violent crime and anti-social behaviour. They also expressed concerns that the applicant's proposed dispersal policy would merely move issues to neighbouring streets. The Environmental Health Officer echoed concerns about public nuisance, noting that the premises already operated beyond guideline hours and that extending them further could lead to increased noise disturbance from delivery drivers and patrons.

The applicant proposed an amendment to allow only home deliveries between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, with the premises operating with its front door locked and customer area lighting off. However, the police stated that these measures were not sufficient and that they would prefer to see the premises demonstrate compliance with existing conditions for at least six months before considering any extension.

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to REFUSE the application for the variation of the premises licence. The committee noted that the proposed hours were outside the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy guideline hours and that concerns remained about potential noise and disturbance from delivery drivers and patrons, even with the proposed conditions. They also took into account previous breaches of licence conditions by the premises.

The Royal Oak - Application for Variation of Premises Licence

An application for a variation of the premises licence for The Royal Oak, located at 90 Coombe Road, New Malden, KT3 4RD, was listed on the agenda. However, this application was withdrawn by the applicant after the publication of the agenda, and therefore, the hearing for this item was cancelled.