The Licensing Sub-Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Mirror Café. The meeting will also address the procedure for hearings and any declarations of interest.

The Mirror Café, 4 Church Court, Richmond TW9 1JL

The primary focus of the meeting is to hear and determine an opposed application for a new premises licence for The Mirror Café, located at 4 Church Court, Richmond TW9 1JL. The application seeks to allow the sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, and the provision of live music.

The report pack details that the applicant, Ms. Evren Yazici, has proposed operating hours from 11:00 to 23:00 for alcohol sales and 18:00 to 00:00 for live music on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises would be open to the public from 07:00 to 00:00 daily.

However, the application has attracted several objections. The Friends of Richmond Green (FoRG) and The Richmond Society have both lodged representations, raising concerns primarily related to the potential negative impact on the Richmond Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

FoRG's objection highlights concerns about pedestrian congestion, obstruction, noise nuisance, and the potential for increased crime and disorder, particularly given the narrow nature of Church Court and its proximity to residential properties. They also express concern that the applicant may have already been operating in breach of regulations.

The Richmond Society echoes these concerns, emphasizing the historic character of Church Court and the potential for noise disturbance to residents living above the premises, especially with the proposed hours for live music and alcohol sales. They note that the neighbouring Angel & Crown public house has more restricted hours for its outdoor seating area.

The Licensing Authority's report indicates that the premises is located within the Cumulative Impact Area for Richmond Town Centre. The report states that the Licensing Authority considers that the number of licensed premises in the Cumulative Impact Area is such that is likely that granting further licences would be inconsistent with the authority's duty to promote the licensing objectives. ¹

The Sub-Committee will need to consider the applicant's operating schedule, the conditions proposed to promote the licensing objectives, and the representations received from Other Persons (local residents and resident associations) and Responsible Authorities (such as the Metropolitan Police, who have agreed conditions with the applicant). The Sub-Committee will then decide whether to grant the application with or without conditions, grant it in part, or refuse it.