The Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss an application from Oatley Coffee, located at 39 Priory Road, Hampton, for a new premises licence. After hearing arguments from the applicant, interested parties, and the licensing officer, the sub-committee decided to grant the licence with amended conditions, including restricting alcohol sales to certain hours and days, and requiring all 'off sales' to be in sealed containers.

Oatley Coffee, 39 Priory Road, Hampton, TW12 2NS

The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Oatley Coffee, which was opposed by local residents. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises. Following the hearing, the sub-committee decided to grant the licence with conditions. These included:

• Sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises would be permitted only on Fridays and Saturdays between 12:00 and 21:00.
• Sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises would be permitted between 07:00 and 17:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 07:00 to 21:00 Friday to Saturday.
• The premises would be open to the public between 07:00 and 17:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 07:00 to 21:00 Friday to Saturday.
• No single cans or bottles of draught beers, spirits, cider and lager could be sold.
• All 'off sales' of alcohol must be in sealed containers.
• No disposal of bottles in the rear refuse bin could take place between 22:00 hours on Fridays and Saturdays and 07:00 hours the following day, and 18:00 hours Sundays to Thursdays and 07:00 hours the following day.
• All seating in the external area must be removed from the outside area by 17:00.
• No consumption of alcohol would be permitted in the external seating area.
• All windows and external doors must be kept closed after 21:00 hours, except for access, egress and emergencies.
• No deliveries relating to licensable activities to the premises shall take place between 22:00 hours and 07:00 hours.
• No collections of waste or recycling materials (including bottles) from the premises shall take place between 22:00 hours on Fridays and Saturdays and 07:00 hours on the following day, and 19:00 hours on Sundays to Thursdays and 07:00 hours on the following day.

Ross Walker, representing Oatley Coffee, described the business as a small family-run cafe with the key values of coffee, community, and connection, aiming to create opportunities for the community to connect, offering bespoke wines and craft beers. He stated that the intention of the licence was not to create a bar or pub, but to enhance the existing experience. Mr Walker said that he and his wife Shana, the co-owners of Oatley Coffee, deeply respected the residential character of Priory Road.

During the hearing, Mr Walker clarified that the company that advised them on the licence application has spewed quite a lot more misinformation through this process because as mentioned, we are only looking to be open on a Friday and a Saturday . He confirmed that they were happy to have a licence that reflected this.

Objections

The licensing authority received 30 representations from local residents objecting to the application, which were forwarded to the applicant¹. Concerns raised by residents included:

• The residential nature of the immediate area.
• Potential risks of antisocial behaviour, street drinking, and loitering.
• Likelihood of increased noise, litter, and rowdy gatherings.

Susie Clegg, a local resident, raised concerns about privacy due to the outdoor seating area facing her home, leading to customers watching her and her daughter. She also cited noise from early morning deliveries, which had only ceased after intervention from Merton Council's Noise and Nuisance Team. Ms Clegg submitted video footage of the street to demonstrate how quiet it usually is at night.

Wendy Sim, another local resident, said that she had lived in Hampton for 53 years and had seen many changes. She stated that the end of Priory Road had a great sense of community. Ms Sim raised concerns about parking and noise from cars leaving late at night.

Councillor Suzette Nicholson, a Hampton Moor councillor, stated that residents had contacted her with concerns about the application, particularly regarding noise and disturbance, and the impact on children's sleep. She also raised concerns about waste disposal and potential antisocial behaviour.

Licensing officer comments

The licensing officer confirmed that the premises had a pavement licence for two tables and two chairs, operating between 7am and 5pm.

Legal officer comments

The legal officer clarified with Mr Walker that the events would be on Fridays and Saturdays, but the licence application was for seven days a week until 10pm. Mr Walker said that he had taken advice from a company and was happy to have a licence that reflected being open only on Fridays and Saturdays.

Reasons for the decision

The sub-committee considered the merits of the case, taking into account written and oral submissions, Home Office guidance, and the council's statement of licensing policy. They noted concerns regarding the four licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The sub-committee were satisfied that the conditions offered by the applicant and those imposed by the sub-committee would address the concerns of the objectors, particularly regarding public nuisance and the protection of children and young people from harm. The sub-committee noted that the extended licensable hours were at a period of the day when the nursery school and medical centre would be closed, and that these extensions were not on school nights. They also noted that there had been no representations from the responsible authorities. The sub-committee agreed that the premises continued to be a good local offer and welcomed the applicant's business model, which focused on 'community' and 'connections'. They also welcomed that the premises would contribute to the local economy and add to the 'community led' character of the locality. The sub-committee noted its powers on a review should any issues occur following the grant of the new premises licence.

Previous minutes

The sub-committee approved the minutes of the meetings held on Thursday 4 September 2025 and Tuesday 30 September 2025. The minutes of the 4 September meeting concerned an application for a new premises licence for Brasserie 1600, 80 High Street, Hampton Hill, which was granted with conditions. The minutes of the 30 September meeting concerned an application for a new premises licence for Allianz Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, which was granted in part with conditions.