The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Wednesday 16 April 2025 to consider a variation to a premises licence. The primary focus of the meeting was an application by Planet Plenty, located at 123-125 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, SW6 2TS, to alter its operating hours and remove a specific condition related to the sale of alcohol.

Planet Plenty, 123-125 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, SW6 2TS

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application to vary the premises licence for Planet Plenty. The applicant, Mr Mohammed Azeem, sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol off the premises and the overall opening hours of the premises. Specifically, the application proposed extending the hours for off-sales and opening from 07:30 to 23:00 from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 08:00 to 23:00 on Sundays. A non-standard timing for New Year's Eve to midnight was also requested.

Crucially, the application also included a request to remove Condition 10 from the premises licence. This condition currently prohibits the sale of super-strength beer, lagers or ciders of 5.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) or above, unless specifically agreed in writing with the Metropolitan Police.

The report pack detailed the current licence conditions and the proposed changes. It also outlined the background of the premises, which is situated in an area with a mix of commercial and residential properties. The consultation process involved a public notice at the premises and notification to statutory consultees.

A significant element of the discussion was expected to be the representation received from the Police Licensing Team, who objected to the removal of Condition 10. The police's objection was based on concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance, particularly in relation to street drinkers in the vicinity of the premises. The police noted that a previous agreement had been made regarding specific premium beers over 5.5% ABV, but that the premises had subsequently been found to be offering for sale a greater number of unagreed products exceeding this threshold, some of which are known to be purchased by street drinkers. The police argued that removing Condition 10 would likely contribute to anti-social behaviour associated with street drinkers.

The applicant provided additional information and a response to the police's representation. This included arguments about the nature of their business, its appeal to different customer demographics, and comparisons with other local off-licences that are permitted to sell higher strength alcohol. The applicant also detailed a history of the premises, including a period where they believed they were permitted to sell higher ABV products due to a misunderstanding of licence conditions, and highlighted their efforts to comply with licensing regulations since becoming aware of the issue.

The report pack also referenced the council's Statement of Licensing Policy (SLP), outlining relevant sections concerning the promotion of the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. Policy considerations included the potential for cumulative impact from licensed premises in the area, the proximity to residential properties, and measures to prevent nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

The committee was scheduled to consider the application and the representations received, and then determine whether to grant the application in full, in part, or reject it, in line with the duties under the Licensing Act 2003.