The Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss a new premises licence for 142 St John's Hill and a review of the premises licence for Costcutter, 66 Tooting High Street. The sub-committee agreed to grant the premises licence for 142 St John's Hill, with a condition to restrict alcohol sales to 10pm. The review of the premises licence for Costcutter, 66 Tooting High Street, was held in a closed session due to an ongoing investigation.

142 St John's Hill - New Premises Licence Application

Jagbier Dang applied for a new premises licence for 142 St John's Hill ¹, seeking permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 8am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday. Following concerns raised by local residents, the sub-committee agreed to grant the licence, with a condition to restrict alcohol sales to 10pm.

Objections

The application received six representations from local residents, raising concerns about:

• Public Nuisance: Potential noise from late-night delivery mopeds, general disturbances, and increased litter.
• Crime and Disorder: Risk of increased antisocial behaviour, street drinking, and loitering.
• Public Safety: Increased traffic risks, particularly on narrow streets.

One resident, speaking on behalf of others, Mr. Matthew Poole of Harbert Road, said that the residents' concerns stemmed from the sort of potential for mopeds effectively being parked all around the corner at the top of the road and the entrance and then driving up and down and creating a disturbance through delivery delivery or Uber Eats or whatever it is.

Several residents also felt that the proposed opening hours were excessive for the residential area, especially given the presence of existing licensed premises nearby, including a Sainsbury's Local across the road and a Londis further down the road.

Applicant's Response

Mr. Dang, the applicant, explained that his store is a whole food store selling premium products, not a generic off-licence. He stated that he intended to sell high-end spirits and good quality wines, which are typically taken home rather than consumed on the premises. He also said that he had already agreed with Trading Standards and the police not to sell high-percentage alcohol or miniatures, to avoid attracting the wrong clientele .

Mr. Dang addressed concerns about delivery services, stating that he had not yet started online orders and was not planning to do so. He also said that he was willing to liaise with neighbours and prioritise their concerns.

Sub-Committee Decision

Councillor Maurice McLeod asked Mr. Dang why he had applied for a licence until 11pm if he intended to close earlier. Mr. Dang explained that he had used paid agents to apply for the licence on his behalf. Councillor McLeod then asked Mr. Dang if he would object to the licence being granted with a condition to amend the closing time to 10pm, to which Mr. Dang agreed.

Mr. Guy Bishop, legal advisor to the Licensing Sub-Committee and solicitor, clarified that the committee could not impose conditions related to third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, but could review the licence if public nuisance occurred due to deliveries.

The sub-committee agreed to grant the premises licence with a condition restricting alcohol sales to 10pm.

Costcutter, 66 Tooting High Street - Premises Licence Review

The sub-committee convened to review the premises licence for Costcutter, 66 Tooting High Street ².

The review application was submitted by PC Belinda Loizou of the Metropolitan Police, citing concerns that the premises licence holder had failed to uphold the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder, following several breaches of the premises licence.

The meeting was moved to a closed session because the application related to an ongoing investigation. Councillors Maurice McLeod and Councillor Mrs. Rosemary Birchall voted in favour of excluding the press and public from the meeting, as it was likely that exempt information would be disclosed.