The Licensing Sub-Committee of Sutton Council met on Thursday 18 September 2025 to consider a new premises licence application for The Greek Table. The committee also reviewed minutes from previous meetings and discussed licensing procedures.

Licence Application for The Greek Table

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for The Greek Table, located at 39 North Street, Carshalton, SM5 2HG. The application sought authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises daily from 11:00 to midnight, late-night refreshment daily from 23:00 to midnight, and recorded music daily from 11:00 to 23:00.

The application had initially raised concerns from the Metropolitan Police and the Pollution - Noise Team. However, the applicant addressed these concerns by making amendments to their operating schedule, which satisfied the initial representations.

Despite these amendments, five additional valid representations were received from Other Parties [^1]. These representations raised concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Key concerns raised by residents included:

• Noise and Public Nuisance: Residents living in close proximity, particularly those residing directly above the premises, expressed significant concerns about noise from music, patrons, and the operation of an electronic shutter. They highlighted existing noise issues from a nearby pub and takeaway, and feared that the new licence would exacerbate these problems, negatively impacting their quality of life and mental health. One resident, a carer for a vulnerable adult with a history of drug and alcohol addiction and mental health conditions, stated that the proposed business hours would negatively affect their service user's recovery and placement.
• Public Safety and Anti-social Behaviour: Concerns were raised about potential intimidation by drunk patrons, particularly for women and girls, given the predominantly male-dominated businesses in the immediate vicinity and the proximity to schools. Littering and anti-social behaviour were also cited as existing issues.
• Operating Hours and Character of the Area: Residents argued that the proposed extensive operating hours (6:00 to midnight for the café and 11:00 to midnight for alcohol sales and music) were incompatible with the area's residential character, described as a small town/village area with a church and schools. They felt this would attract patrons from a wider area, potentially increasing crime and disorder.
• Existing Allegations: One representation alleged that The Greek Table was already serving alcohol and operating late, despite not yet holding a licence.
• Smoking and Passive Smoking: Concerns were raised about the potential for smoke from patrons smoking outside the premises to affect residents, particularly given the proximity of residential windows and the health risks associated with passive smoking.

The applicant's operating schedule included conditions aimed at promoting the licensing objectives, such as CCTV, restaurant operating conditions, external area restrictions, alcohol display and sale regulations, and age verification measures. These conditions are detailed in Appendix 3 of the public reports pack[^2].

The committee was asked to determine the application by either granting it as requested, granting it with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, or rejecting the application. The decision would be made having regard to statutory guidance, the council's licensing policy, and the representations received.

Previous Meeting Minutes

The Sub-Committee was asked to approve the minutes of previous meetings held on 3 July 2025 and 5 August 2025. The minutes from the 3 July 2025 meeting indicated that an application for a new premises licence for B & W Food and Wine was adjourned for clarification and subsequently withdrawn by the applicant. The minutes from the 5 August 2025 meeting detailed the review of the premises licence for New Golden Gate, 18 Stonecot Hill, Sutton, SM3 9HE, which resulted in the revocation of the licence due to the employment of illegal workers.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Hearings Procedure

The committee also drew attention to the Council's procedure for hearings, as outlined in the document 2021 - Procedure FINAL update Licensing Sub Hearing Committee Procedures approved 27 09 21.pdf [^3]. This procedure details how licensing applications are managed, including the roles of parties, the process for making representations, and the conduct of hearings.