The Licensing Sub-Committee met on 5 March 2026 to consider a review of the premises licence for The Woodman pub in Carshalton. The committee decided to modify the conditions of the licence to address concerns about noise nuisance.

Review of The Woodman Premises Licence

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a review of the premises licence for The Woodman, located at 6 High Street, Carshalton SM5 3AG. The review was initiated by a local resident, David Shanks, who raised concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, specifically relating to noise from the external licensed area when used for regulated entertainment.

Mr. Shanks stated that late-night music from the pub's garden, and even from indoor music, was audible in his home, particularly in bedrooms, impacting his family's sleep. He provided video and audio evidence of the noise, noting that DJ microphones sometimes exceeded noise limits and that events had occurred after midnight, contrary to existing licence conditions and the council's policy. He sought a compromise that would allow the pub to operate while providing reassurance for his family, suggesting a limit of one music event per month and earlier finishes for outdoor events.

The licence holders, represented by George Domleo, with Vicki and Loré Bayliss present, highlighted that the family had operated the premises for 21 years and had invested significantly in the business. They stated that a noise limiter had been fitted and set in agreement with the Council's Noise Officer. They also noted that no representations had been received from responsible authorities or other local residents, and that there had been letters of support from other neighbours. The licence holders argued that the area was not purely residential and that events had been held in the garden for many years. They expressed a desire for early discussions to resolve issues and protect local jobs.

After considering all submissions and evidence, the Sub-Committee decided to modify the conditions of the premises licence. While the existing hours of operation remained unchanged, new conditions were imposed to promote the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance. These included:

• Limiting the number of events held in the external areas to a maximum of two per calendar month.
• Requiring events to be advertised externally and on the premises' website at least six months in advance, with any changes notified 21 days prior.
• Mandating that the use of the outdoor area must cease at 12:00 midnight from Monday to Saturday, and at 22:30 on Sundays (with exceptions for bank holiday weekends).
• Ensuring that any public address (PA) equipment used must be connected through the noise limiter, with levels agreed by authorised officers.
• Requiring doors and windows to be closed after 10 pm, except for entry and exit.
• Reinstating an existing condition that a noise limiter must be fitted to any amplified noise system and set at an appropriate level agreed with environmental health officers.
• A condition that if more than 12 events per year are held, the noise limiter should be reviewed by an authorised officer of the Council.

The Sub-Committee aimed to strike a balance between the business's operational needs and the concerns of the resident, deeming these modified conditions appropriate and proportionate to uphold the licensing objectives.