The Licensing Sub-Committee 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 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 49 Limpsfield Road, South Croydon, CR2 9LB, owned by Mojito Restaurant Limited. The application sought to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, and to provide regulated entertainment, including performances of dance. The proposed hours for alcohol sales were Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 00:00, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 01:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 23:00. Regulated entertainment, specifically performances of dance, was proposed for Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 01:00.

Numerous representations were received from local residents and Councillor Yvette Hopley, raising concerns about potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Key concerns included the late operating hours, the potential for a bar culture rather than a restaurant, noise disturbance from music and patrons leaving the premises, parking issues, and the suitability of the proposed activities for a quiet, suburban residential area with a history of restrictive covenants regarding alcohol sales. Objectors also raised concerns about the premises' lack of soundproofing and the potential impact on nearby residents, including those in sheltered accommodation and families with young children.

The applicant, Mojito Restaurant Limited, represented by Jay Patel, made several amendments to their application prior to the hearing. These included reducing the proposed hours for licensable activities, removing regulated entertainment, and offering revised conditions to address concerns. The applicant stated that the premises would operate as a family restaurant, with food being the primary activity, and alcohol served to complement meals. They clarified that there would be no amplified music, dancing, or DJ nights, and that any music played would be background music, not a licensable activity between 8 am and 11 pm. New customers would not be permitted entry after 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with SIA-trained security staff managing departures.

The Sub-Committee noted that matters relating to planning permission, building regulations, and private law covenants were outside their remit. They also clarified that parking provision is governed by separate regimes and is not a licensing objective.

After considering all representations, the applicant's amendments, and the relevant licensing objectives, the Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence. The decision was based on the applicant's amended operating schedule, agreed conditions with responsible authorities, and mandatory statutory conditions. The Sub-Committee was satisfied that these measures would promote the licensing objectives. The reasons provided highlighted that there were no objections from the Police or the Noise Pollution Team, and that the applicant had agreed to conditions addressing noise mitigation, patron management, and delivery operations. The Sub-Committee also noted that the applicant's proposed hours and activities were considered appropriate for a restaurant, and that matters outside the Licensing Act, such as planning and covenants, were not within their jurisdiction.

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 Addington Park, Croydon, CR0 5AR, submitted by Smith and Smith Ltd. The application sought permission for 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, on Saturday, 6 July 2024.

Representations were received from Councillor Robert Ward, Ana Antic (representing Addington Palace), and Charles Marriott (representing Addington Village Residents Association). The primary concerns raised by objectors related to traffic management, parking, noise pollution, and the potential for anti-social behaviour. Specific concerns included aggressive parking by attendees in residential streets, inadequate traffic management at previous events, and noise disturbance to local residents and Addington Palace, a wedding venue located behind the park. Addington Palace expressed particular concern about noise levels impacting a wedding ceremony scheduled for the same day as the proposed event.

The applicant, Smith and Smith Ltd., stated they had over 25 years of experience running events and had engaged with the Addington Residents Association to address concerns. They proposed a maximum capacity of 1000 attendees, with 500 staff, and committed to a comprehensive Event Management Plan (EMP) to be considered by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG). The applicant agreed to additional conditions proposed by the Police, including a SIA security staff to attendee ratio of 1:25, CCTV operation, a challenge 25 scheme, and the use of polycarbonate containers for drinks. They also proposed noise management measures, including positioning speakers away from residents and within a tent, engaging acoustic engineers for monitoring, and a noise complaint line.

The Sub-Committee acknowledged that matters such as traffic management and parking are governed by separate regimes. They noted the applicant's engagement with residents and commitment to ongoing dialogue. The Sub-Committee also considered the absence of objections from the Noise Pollution Team, although Addington Palace had made representations regarding decibel limits.

After reviewing the application, representations, and the applicant's proposed conditions, the Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence. The decision was based on the applicant's commitment to implementing agreed conditions, including those with the Police, and the overall assessment that the proposed measures would promote the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee noted the applicant's experience and their efforts to address concerns through engagement with residents and the SAG process. They also acknowledged the proposed noise management measures and the applicant's willingness to discuss sound testing with Addington Palace. The Sub-Committee determined that the proposed event, with the agreed conditions, was appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.