The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, to consider an application for a premises licence. The committee resolved to grant the licence for a late-night refreshment establishment.

Application for a Premises Licence at 33 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application for a premises licence for Chixee Ltd at 33 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 7JJ. The licence permits the provision of late-night refreshment from Monday to Sunday, 11pm until 3am.

The application was made by Chixee Ltd, represented by Mr Richard Haddad, who is a consultant for EH Solutions. The application sought to operate as a fried chicken and peri-peri chicken takeaway.

During the hearing, the Head of Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing explained the application and the conditions that had been agreed with the police licensing officer. These conditions included the premises closing its doors to passing trade at 1am, with service continuing on a delivery basis only until 3am. The applicant also agreed to implement a series of conditions to promote the licensing objectives, such as installing and maintaining CCTV, providing regular staff training in conflict management, and keeping an incident register.

Mr Haddad, representing the applicant, highlighted that Brigstock Road has an upcoming night time economy and that the business would be instrumental in Croydon Council's strategy to boost the borough's night-time economy. He stated that no representations or complaints had been received by the department that the committee needed to consider. Mr Haddad also emphasised the applicant's commitment to the community, including encouraging green transport for delivery drivers and participating in litter picking. He noted that a new, quieter extraction system had recently been installed to reduce noise and odour.

An objection had been lodged by a resident concerned about public nuisance, specifically citing increased noise pollution from an extractor fan, littering, anti-social behaviour, and a negative impact on local residents' well-being. The objector mentioned that the extractor fan was pointing directly at their window and causing distress, and that people were congregating on the steps to residential flats, leaving rubbish. They also expressed concern that the late operating hours, even with restricted walk-in service after 1am, could lead to aggressive behaviour.

The Sub-Committee considered the representations made, the Licensing Act 2003¹, statutory guidance, and the Council's Licensing Policy 2023-2028². They noted that the objection regarding the extractor fan was raised before the new system was implemented. The committee also acknowledged that planning matters, such as the installation of an extractor fan, are separate from licensing decisions.

The reasons for granting the licence included:

• The applicant's agreement to strict conditions, including closing to the public at 1am and operating delivery-only until 3am.
• The recent installation of a quieter extractor fan system.
• The applicant's commitment to daily litter picks and managing delivery driver congregation.
• The absence of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour or crime since the business opened.
• The fact that the premises does not supply alcohol or provide regulated entertainment, which are more likely to cause anti-social behaviour.
• The applicant's proactive approach to environmental enhancement and support for the borough's night-time economy.

The Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence subject to the conditions agreed with the Police Licensing Officer, as detailed in Appendix A2 of the report.