The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Monday, 18 March 2024, to consider two applications for premises licences. The committee granted a licence for 49 Limpsfield Road, South Croydon, CR2 9LB, with amended hours and conditions, and also granted a time-limited licence for Addington Park, Croydon, CR0 5AR.

Application for a Premises Licence at 49 Limpsfield Road, South Croydon, CR2 9LB

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a premises licence for Mojito Restaurant Limited at 49 Limpsfield Road, South Croydon, CR2 9LB. The application sought to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from Monday to Thursday between 11:00 and 00:00, Friday and Saturday between 11:00 and 01:00, and Sunday between 11:00 and 23:00. It also sought permission for regulated entertainment, specifically performances of dance, on Friday and Saturday evenings from 23:00 to 01:00.

Numerous representations were received from local residents, ward councillors, and the Sanderstead Residents' Association, raising concerns about potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Key concerns included the proposed late operating hours, the potential for noise disturbance from music and patrons, the impact on the quiet suburban character of the area, and issues related to parking and traffic. Some objectors also highlighted existing restrictive covenants in Sanderstead that limit the sale of alcohol in pub-like settings.

The applicant, Mojito Restaurant Limited, represented by Jay Patel, made several amendments to their application following the receipt of these representations. These included reducing the proposed hours for licensable activities, removing regulated entertainment, and agreeing to a number of conditions. These conditions aimed to address concerns about noise, underage sales (implementing a Challenge 25 policy), the management of patrons leaving the premises, and delivery operations. The applicant emphasised their intention to operate as a family-friendly restaurant, with alcohol served to complement meals, and stated there would be no amplified music, dancing, or DJ nights.

After hearing from the applicant, objectors, and the licensing officer, and considering the amended application and agreed conditions, the Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence. The decision was based on the belief that the amended application, with the agreed conditions, would appropriately promote the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee noted that matters such as restrictive covenants and planning permission were outside their remit.

Application for a Premises Licence at Addington Park, Croydon, CR0 5AR

The Sub-Committee also considered an application for a time-limited premises licence for an event named Xcstasy Jouvert at Addington Park, Croydon, CR0 5AR, to be held on Saturday, 6 July 2024. The application sought permission for the provision of regulated entertainment, specifically recorded music, from 13:00 to 22:00, and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises from 13:00 to 21:30.

Representations were received from Councillor Robert Ward, Ana Antic (representing Addington Palace), and Charles Marriott (representing the Addington Village Residents Association). Concerns were primarily focused on traffic management, parking issues in surrounding residential streets, potential noise disturbance, and the overall management of the event. Addington Palace, a licensed events venue, specifically raised concerns about noise pollution impacting their wedding ceremonies scheduled for the same day.

The applicant, Smith and Smith Ltd., represented by Damion Pyle, had engaged with the residents' association and agreed to a number of conditions, including those proposed by the Police. These conditions addressed security, crowd management, noise control, traffic management, and the prevention of public nuisance. The applicant stated that the stage would be positioned to minimise noise disturbance, and a noise limiter would be fitted to the sound system. They also committed to a specific SIA security to attendee ratio and the use of CCTV.

The Sub-Committee granted the application, subject to the conditions offered by the applicant and agreed with the Police, as detailed in Appendix A3 of the report, and the mandatory statutory conditions. The decision was made on the basis that the Sub-Committee was satisfied that the conditions would appropriately promote the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee acknowledged the concerns raised by objectors, particularly regarding traffic and noise, but noted the applicant's efforts to address these through engagement and agreed conditions. They also recognised that some issues, such as parking, were governed by other regulatory regimes.