The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application to extend the terminal hours for the off-sale of alcohol at JL Enterprises and to update the premises' internal layout. The committee decided to grant the application for the internal layout changes but refused the extension of alcohol sales hours.

Variation of Premises Licence for JL Enterprises

The subcommittee considered an application from JL Enterprises, located at 128 Malden Road, New Malden, to extend its off-sale alcohol licence until 1 a.m. daily and to update its internal floor plan.

Decision: The application to extend the terminal hour for the off-sale of alcohol was refused. The application to update the floor plan was granted.

Arguments for the extension of hours: The applicant, represented by Dr. Raghunathan, stated that the extension would help boost sales, which have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that the internal layout changes were intended to improve the visibility of alcohol stock and enhance security by relocating it to an area more easily monitored by staff.

Arguments against the extension of hours: The Metropolitan Police, represented by Mr. Jeffrey Chu, barrister, opposed the extension of alcohol sales hours. Their primary concerns were the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. They argued that extending hours to 1 a.m. would take the premises beyond the core hours outlined in Kingston's Licensing Policy, which aims to mitigate noise disturbance after 11 p.m. The police highlighted the proximity of JL Enterprises to a Wetherspoons pub, which closes at midnight, suggesting that the off-licence could become a destination for those seeking to continue drinking late into the night. This, they contended, could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and violence, as policing experience indicates that customers seeking alcohol between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. are more likely to be associated with such issues.

Furthermore, the Metropolitan Police pointed to recent inspection findings at JL Enterprises on 14 October 2025, which revealed breaches of licence conditions, including issues with CCTV functionality and the sale of alcohol above a certain strength in single cans. While the applicant stated these issues had been addressed, the police argued that the premises had recently failed to meet its existing licence conditions and therefore should not be trusted with extended trading hours.

Representations from local residents also voiced concerns about potential noise pollution, litter, light pollution, and an increase in crime and disorder if the hours were extended. They noted existing issues with noise and anti-social behaviour from the nearby Wetherspoons and feared that extending the off-licence hours would exacerbate these problems, particularly in a residential area.

Arguments for the internal layout changes: The applicant explained that relocating the alcohol display would improve visibility for staff and customers, making it easier to monitor stock and deter theft. This change was not opposed by the Metropolitan Police.

Decision Rationale: The subcommittee's decision to refuse the extension of alcohol sales hours was based on the significant concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police and local residents regarding the promotion of the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. The police's evidence of recent licence breaches and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour due to the proximity of other licensed premises were key factors. The subcommittee acknowledged the applicant's efforts to address the internal layout changes but deemed the extension of hours to be contrary to the council's licensing policy and the overall aim of maintaining community safety and amenity.

The decision will be confirmed by email later today, with full details and reasons to follow within five working days.