The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council granted a new premises licence for Cheatmeals, located at 54 Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1SU, with amended hours. The application sought to serve late-night refreshments until 4 am daily, but the committee decided to grant the licence with a phased closing time of midnight on Sundays to Thursdays and 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays for eat-in, takeaway, and delivery services, with takeaway and delivery only permitted until 1 am on Sundays to Thursdays.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Cheatmeals

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Cheatmeals, located at 54 Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1SU. The applicant, 786 Burgers and Shakes Limited, sought permission to provide late-night refreshments daily from 11 pm to 4 am.

The application was met with representations from the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Pollution Control department, both raising concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, and public nuisance. Four representations were also received from other persons, echoing these concerns.

The applicant's barrister, Sarah Clover, argued that the proposed hours were necessary for the business to operate legally, particularly concerning deliveries, and that the company had experience operating similar venues across London without issue. She highlighted the importance of the National Licensing Policy Framework, which she contended supported business growth. Ms. Clover also addressed concerns about noise and litter, stating that the operating schedule included measures to mitigate these, such as staff training, CCTV, and signage. She also noted that the applicant had offered to reduce dining in hours to 1 am on Sundays to Thursdays and 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays, while maintaining the 4 am takeaway and delivery hours.

Sergeant Jeremy Weston of the Metropolitan Police objected to the proposed hours, stating they exceeded Kingston's licensing policy and risked exacerbating existing crime and disorder issues in the area, particularly given the proximity of other late-night venues. He argued that the requested hours would set a dangerous precedent and increase pressure on emergency services.

John Sibson, Lead Officer for Pollution Control, also objected, citing concerns about noise from delivery drivers, car doors, and loitering customers, which he believed would negatively impact residents. He suggested that the proposed hours were too late and proposed earlier closing times, aligning with other establishments in the area.

During deliberations, the committee discussed the balance between supporting local businesses and protecting residents' quality of life. They considered the applicant's proposed operating schedule, the representations from responsible authorities and other persons, and the guidance from the Secretary of State under the Licensing Act 2003¹.

Ultimately, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence with amended hours. The decision reflected a compromise, allowing for late-night refreshment services but with earlier closing times than originally requested, aiming to mitigate the concerns raised regarding crime, disorder, and public nuisance.