The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Kings Tun, located at 153-157 Clarence Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QT. The committee decided to grant the application, allowing for extended operating hours and the sale of alcohol, subject to several conditions.

Variation of Premises Licence for Kings Tun

The primary focus of the meeting was an application by JD Wetherspoon Plc to vary the existing premises licence for Kings Tun. The proposed variations included extending the terminal hour for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment until 1:00 AM from Sundays to Thursdays, and until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also sought to extend the premises' opening hours until 1:30 AM from Sundays to Thursdays, and until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, the applicant proposed amending a condition regarding door supervisors to require three SIA-registered door supervisors on Friday and Saturday nights, with the requirement for other nights to be determined by a risk assessment.

The Licensing Officer presented the application, noting that while the application had been advertised and consulted upon, only two objections from Other Persons were received, alongside one in support. The Metropolitan Police had initially raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm, but these were subsequently withdrawn after the applicant amended their operating schedule.

The applicant, JD Wetherspoon Plc, highlighted their long-standing presence in Kingston since 1997 and their experience as licensed premises operators since 1979. They explained that the application was driven by a trend of customers wishing to stay later and that the proposed extended hours would aid in managing customer dispersal. They committed to having three door supervisors on Friday and Saturday nights, with body-worn cameras, and to conduct risk assessments for other nights. The applicant also emphasised their robust policies for promoting licensing objectives, including staff training and a proof of age policy. They stated that the premises did not feature music and that all customers were seated, with no intention to change the nature of the operation.

One objector, a local resident, expressed concerns about increased antisocial behaviour, public drunkenness, late-night noise, litter, public urination, loitering, and drug-related activities, which they believed would be exacerbated by the extended hours. They argued that a closing time of around 11:00 PM or midnight would be a more appropriate balance.

After considering all representations and submissions, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to GRANT the application for the variation of the premises licence, subject to conditions. The decision was based on the belief that the premises were well-run and managed, and that the proposed conditions, including those agreed with the Metropolitan Police and additional conditions imposed by the committee, were appropriate and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives. The committee noted that there had been no history of complaints or incidents at the premises for some years and that the majority of residents did not appear to have concerns, based on the limited number of objections received.

The granted variation includes extended hours for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol, as well as the extended opening hours. New conditions were imposed, including the requirement for three SIA-registered door supervisors on Fridays and Saturdays, with a risk assessment for other nights. Body-worn cameras for door staff were mandated, and enhanced CCTV requirements were put in place. Staff training records were to be maintained, and an incident log was to be kept. The Challenge 21 age verification policy was to continue, and a new condition was added requiring the Premises Licence Holder to adopt a Risk Assessment Policy for door supervisors on Sundays to Thursdays. The committee also noted that if issues arose, any affected party could apply for a review of the Premises Licence.