The Licensing Sub Committee of Runnymede Council is scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence. The application pertains to Vape & Wine, located at 10 Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NA, and seeks permission for the retail sale of alcohol. The sub-committee may also choose to exclude the press and public while they determine the application.

Application for a Premises Licence for Vape & Wine

The primary item for consideration is an application for a premises licence for Vape & Wine, submitted on 15 August 2025 by Mr Gurling Singh Kalra. The application seeks authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol, for consumption off the premises. The application form proposes the following hours for the sale of alcohol:

• Monday to Sunday: 09:00 to 22:00

These hours were amended on 5 September 2025, following an initial proposal of 08:00 to 23:00. The notification of proposed amendment of hours came after concerns were raised by local residents.

The report pack includes a location map, plans of the premises and photos of the premises.

Vape & Wine is described as a small ground floor convenience store, formerly a hairdresser, intending to sell vape and alcohol products. It is located next to a residential property, with other residential properties nearby. The closest licensed premises are The White Hart pub and the Co-op on New Haw Road, both approximately 165 metres away.

Representations

The council received 21 valid representations from local residents, who are listed in the report pack. Concerns raised relate to the four licensing objectives¹: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Summaries of the representations include:

• Increased noise, litter, and late-night activity affecting residents' sleep and health.

• Potential increase in crime and antisocial behaviour.

• Concerns about public health and underage exposure to alcohol and vaping products.

• Traffic and safety hazards due to lack of customer parking.

• Disruption to a quiet residential street.

• The potential for the premises to attract young vulnerable people.

• Concerns about the proximity to other businesses selling similar products.

One resident, who is not named in the report pack, said that a licensed premises open this many hours will knock thousands off their property worth.

The applicant, Mr Gurling Singh Kalra, has not responded to the representations, other than to amend the proposed opening hours and hours for the sale of alcohol.

Licensing Objectives and Policy

The report pack states that the sub-committee must consider the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, the Runnymede Borough Council Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026, and the guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

The Runnymede Borough Council Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 outlines the council's approach to promoting the four licensing objectives. The Licensing Act 2003 is the legislation that governs the licensing of premises for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment.

Proposed Conditions

As part of the application, Mr Gurling Singh Kalra has proposed a number of steps to promote the four licensing objectives. These include:

• Implementing a Challenge 25 policy².

• Installing and maintaining CCTV.

• Training staff in responsible alcohol retailing.

• Displaying fire exit signs.

• Displaying notices asking customers to leave quietly.

• Maintaining a refusal book to record instances where alcohol sales are refused.