The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application from AK Pizza London Limited, trading as Caprino's Pizza in East Sheen, for a new premises licence. The application requested permission to provide late night refreshment. Following concerns from local residents and the police, the sub-committee agreed to grant the licence, but with reduced hours and additional conditions.

AK Pizza London Ltd Licensing Application

The sub-committee considered an application from AK Pizza London Ltd T/A Caprinos, located at 160 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen for a new premises licence. The applicant, Mr Afnan Khan, sought authorisation for late night refreshment from 11pm to 1am Monday to Thursday, and until 3am Friday to Sunday. The application also specified that the premises would be open to the public until midnight daily, with delivery only after midnight.

Russ Stevens, Principal Licensing Officer, explained that the application was for late night refreshment only, and not for the sale of alcohol. He also noted that the Licensing Authority had received 39 representations from local residents objecting to the application, as well as a representation from the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Khan stated that the purpose of the late night licence was to allow the business to continue delivering pizzas late in the evening to meet customer demand, particularly from shift workers and students from nearby Roehampton University. He also stated that the business would only use its own drivers, not third-party services like Uber or Deliveroo, in order to maintain greater control.

Objections

Residents expressed concerns about potential noise and disturbance from delivery vehicles, particularly in the back alleyway that would be used for deliveries after midnight. Ms Sean Lucas, who lives next door to Caprino's, said she was extremely worried about this happening, because it's up and down our alleyway . She raised concerns about noise and the impact on her sleep, as she has multiple sclerosis. Ms Julie Pender, another neighbour, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the impact on her disabled daughter.

Mr Morgenstern, who lives on Painsfield Avenue, expressed alarm at the prospect of increased activity in the alleyway late at night. He also raised concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, stating that the area is a crime hotspot .

Councillor Cambridge also objected to the application, citing concerns about disorder and public nuisance. She noted the high concentration of pizza outlets in the area and questioned whether there was a genuine need for extended hours. She also raised concerns about the use of illegal e-bikes for deliveries, which she said could compromise pedestrian safety.

Police Concerns

Sergeant Andrew Lee, representing the Metropolitan Police, stated that the police believed that the proposed terminal hours would undermine the licensing objectives. He said that the applicant had not agreed to suggested reduced hours or conditions proposed by the police. Sergeant Lee read out a letter from PC Gold-Clewitt, who had consulted on the application, expressing concern that Mr Khan's lack of experience and consideration of the Licensing Act 2003 meant that he would not run a responsible and considerate operation.

Amendments and Conditions

In response to the concerns raised, Mr Khan initially agreed to reduce the proposed hours to 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, and 1am on other nights. He also stated that he was willing to comply with any conditions imposed by the sub-committee.

Following further discussion, Mr Khan agreed to accept the hours suggested by the police: midnight for walk-in customers, and deliveries until 1am Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. He also confirmed that he agreed to the conditions proposed by the police.

Decision

The sub-committee agreed to grant the licence with the reduced hours and conditions as agreed between the applicant and the police. The decision will be confirmed in writing within five working days. Councillor Lesley Pollesche, Chair of the meeting, stated that the sub-committee had taken into account all of the evidence presented and that any advice given during their deliberations would be disclosed in the decision notice.