The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, to determine two licensing applications. The committee granted a new premises licence for 100 Beulah Road, Thornton Heath, and modified the conditions of the licence for 5 Station Parade, South Croydon, following a review.

Application for a Premises Licence at 100 Beulah Road, Thornton Heath

The Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises at 100 Beulah Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 8JF. The application was initially for hours from 7am to 11pm on Sundays and 7am to 11:59pm Monday to Saturday.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police, who objected to the application on the grounds of potential increases in anti-social behaviour and public nuisance, citing the area's existing issues with street drinking and its proximity to Beulah Junior School and a scout hut. PC Chris Woods, representing the police, highlighted that the area is already saturated with off-licences and is covered by a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) introduced in February 2024 to combat anti-social behaviour.

The applicant's representative, Suresh Kanapathi, addressed these concerns by proposing several amendments and additional conditions. These included restricting the sale of alcohol to start from 10am on all days, not selling high-strength alcohol (over 6% ABV), not selling single cans or bottles of beer, lager, stout, or cider, and keeping spirits behind the counter. The applicant also agreed to a Challenge 25 policy, ensuring staff training, maintaining a refusals log, and implementing robust CCTV measures, including cameras monitoring the exterior of the premises. The applicant, Srirooban Santhiralingam, who is also the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), stated he had over 20 years of experience in retail environments selling alcohol and would be present at the premises full-time.

The Sub-Committee granted the licence, acknowledging the police's valid concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and the PSPO in place. However, they were satisfied that the applicant had demonstrated how their proposed operation would support the licensing objectives through the significant amendments and additional conditions offered. The Sub-Committee noted that the area is not currently designated as a cumulative impact assessment area. The decision was based on promoting the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.

Application for a Review of a Premises Licence at 5 Station Parade, Sanderstead Road, South Croydon

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a review of the premises licence for Sanderstead Tandoori, 5 Station Parade, Sanderstead Road, South Croydon, CR2 0PH, made by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement. The review was based on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, specifically concerning the employment of illegal workers.

Evidence presented by the Home Office indicated that an enforcement visit on 5 November 2023 found three individuals working illegally at the premises. This led to a civil penalty of £30,000 being issued to Sanderstead Tandoori Limited, which remained unpaid at the time of the hearing. The Home Office sought the revocation of the licence, arguing that employing illegal workers undermines the licensing objectives and provides an unfair competitive advantage.

The premises licence holder, Mr Mohibur Rahman, and his agent, Waseem Sherwani, explained that Mr Rahman acquired the business on 15 November 2023, after the immigration raid had taken place, and had no prior knowledge of the illegal working. They stated that Mr Rahman, who holds a personal licence and DPS certificate since 2010, had no criminal record and had taken steps to ensure all current staff have the right to work in the UK. They argued that revoking the licence would unfairly penalise Mr Rahman, who they described as an innocent victim of the previous operation.

The Sub-Committee noted that the current licence holder was not in possession of the licence or acting as DPS at the time of the immigration offences. They also acknowledged that the Home Office had not raised objections to the subsequent application to transfer the premises licence to Mr Rahman.

After considering the representations, the Sub-Committee resolved to modify the conditions of the licence by adding two new conditions. These conditions require the licence holder to retain copies of documents relating to right-to-work checks, stored securely or digitally accessible at the premises, and to produce these documents immediately upon request by immigration officials, the police, or local authority officers. The Sub-Committee deemed these modifications appropriate and proportionate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder, and to prevent illegal working. The Sub-Committee thanked all participants for their engagement.