The Wandsworth Council Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a new premises licence for Wimbledon Park and a variation to a premises licence for Rhynd, a wine and cheese bar. The committee granted the licence for Wimbledon Park with some modifications, and granted the licence for Rhynd with conditions.

Wimbledon Park Fireworks Event Licence

The sub-committee granted a premises licence to Merton Council for their annual fireworks event in Wimbledon Park, but modified the hours of operation and added a condition relating to security patrols.

Daz Goren, head of culture and events at Merton Council, explained that the application was for a permanent licence for the annual fireworks display, which has been a long-standing event in the community calendar. The event includes two firework displays, a funfair, street food, and bar concessions. The application was prompted by the location of the bars on the Wandsworth side of the park, requiring a licence from Wandsworth Council, even though Merton Council manages the park.

Several residents had initially objected to the application, fearing it was a catch-all license for year-round events with extended hours. Sheila Harrison, a resident of South Dean Gardens, expressed concern that the application seemed to be for the whole year, from 11:00 to 23:00, and questioned why it included activities like dance, film and plays.

To address these concerns, the applicant clarified that the licence was solely for the annual fireworks event, limited to one day per year in October or November. The applicant had already agreed to conditions with the Metropolitan Police, Wandsworth Trading Standards, and a local residents group, including security patrols in South Dean Gardens and Wimbledon Park Road.

Councillor Guy Humphreys raised concerns about security at the Revelstoke Road entrance to the park, suggesting it should be included in the condition for security patrols. Mr. Goren reassured him that security measures were in place for all entrances, including CCTV and additional road closures. He agreed to Councillor Humphrey's suggestion to add Revelstoke Road to the condition regarding security patrols.

Councillor Jack Mayorcas questioned the need for the licence to start at 11:00, given the event's actual start time. Councillor Humphreys echoed this concern, suggesting a later start time and a variation application if the event hours were to change in the future. The committee discussed the possibility of different hours for weekend and weekday events.

Ultimately, the sub-committee decided to grant the licence with the following modifications:

• The hours for licensable activities were amended to start at 17:15, with the exception of any Saturday where the hours would remain as applied for.
• Condition 54 was amended to include Revelstoke Road in the areas patrolled by [SIA¹] personnel.

Rhynd Premises Licence Variation

The sub-committee granted a new premises licence to Rhynd Holdings Limited for Rhynd, a wine, cheese, and charcuterie bar on Battersea Park Road.

Christopher Gay, founder of Rhynd, described Rhynd as a small, high-quality establishment focused on artisanal produce from independent suppliers, with a relaxed atmosphere for around 32 seated guests. He initially applied for a licence until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, but after discussions with residents, he offered to reduce the hours to 23:00.

Mr Gay explained that he had initially requested the later hours to accommodate occasional events, but was willing to compromise. He also mentioned that he holds a similar licence for The Farmer's Mistress, another establishment he owns, and has never had any issues.

Councillor Humphreys commended Mr Gay for engaging with residents and welcomed his willingness to cooperate. He suggested that Mr Gay reconsider his decision to drop the late hours for New Year's Eve, as it would be a reasonable time to have later hours. Mr Gay agreed to consider this.

Councillor Mayorcas asked about the type of music that would be played at the venue. Mr Gay clarified that it would be background music, possibly acoustic or small percussion bands, but nothing loud or amplified.

Two representations from local residents had been received, raising concerns about noise, disturbance, and waste. However, no residents attended the hearing to voice their objections.

The sub-committee decided to grant the licence with the conditions agreed with the Metropolitan Police and Wandsworth Trading Standards, and noted Mr Gay's willingness to work with local residents.