Residents have voiced strong objections to a proposed variation of a pub's licence, fearing it will transform The Crane & Tap into a 'vertical drinking establishment' and exacerbate noise and anti-social behaviour.
The Licensing Sub-Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council heard an application to vary the premises licence for The Crane & Tap, located at 1 Brewery Lane, Twickenham. The application sought to remove a condition that restricted alcohol sales to table meals only on event days at Twickenham Stadium, replacing it with a requirement for a clicker system to monitor customer numbers.
In the context of residents' concerns, a 'vertical drinking establishment' refers to a venue where patrons primarily consume alcohol while standing, rather than being seated and dining. Residents are worried that removing the condition requiring alcohol sales to be ancillary to table meals on event days would facilitate this shift, leading to increased noise, customer turnover, and potential anti-social behaviour.
Four local residents submitted objections, citing concerns about potential increases in noise, anti-social behaviour, obstruction of access to their residential block, and a shift from a restaurant to a vertical drinking venue. Residents' representations indicate a history of issues. One resident stated, 'The variation should be refused based on the venue's prior operational history. Last winter on Allianz Stadium Event Days, the premises flouted the table-meal condition by permitting patrons to purchase drinks directly from the inside bar without food, establishing an unauthorised external bar structure, and allowing crowds to spill across the communal courtyard. This caused substantial noise intrusion and obstructed the entry gates. This matter required formal escalation by the Residents Association.' Another resident mentioned, 'Residents have raised concerns with the management of The Crane Tap on numerous occasions, yet the problems continue.'
One resident described a specific incident on September 12, 2026, where amplified music and vibrations from an event allegedly caused significant disturbance. On that date, the premises reportedly had amplified music and DJ microphone announcements that continued until 11:46 PM, and patrons were permitted to remain outside until after 2:15 AM, despite the event having a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to sell alcohol until 1:00 AM. The current general licensed hours for the premises are: Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 00:00, and Sunday from 09:00 to 23:30. Alcohol sales are permitted from 07:00 to 23:30 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sunday.
The 'event days' at Twickenham Stadium are defined as days when the stadium hosts rugby, sporting events, or concerts with a capacity exceeding 30,000. The applicant stated that these conditions apply for approximately 12 days a year.
The current capacity of The Crane & Tap is stated as 150 in the application details. During the meeting, it was clarified that the restaurant area seats 120 people and the bar area has 40 seats, making a total of 160 people for seated dining. The applicant stated that they do not wish to exceed this number and that the clicker system would help monitor this, with people being turned away if the capacity is reached. The external seating area has space for approximately 16-20 people.
The applicant, represented by Stephen Thomas, argued that the proposed variation was necessary for the business's viability, citing the cost of living crisis and increased operating costs. They stated that the existing condition made it difficult to operate profitably on event days, as customers increasingly preferred to eat at home. The applicant clarified that the intention was not to remove seating but to allow flexibility for customers to purchase drinks without a meal.
During the hearing, the applicant volunteered additional measures, including not holding similar functions in the future, only providing incidental background music, and closing the external seating area at 10:00 PM and the premises at 10:30 PM on event days, with the last alcohol sale at 10:00 PM.
After considering all representations, the Sub-Committee's decision on the variation was to be communicated in writing within five working days, as detailed in the Minutes Public Pack 15092026 Licensing Sub-Committee. The committee noted the residents' concerns about noise and public nuisance, while also acknowledging the applicant's need for a viable business. The Sub-Committee aimed to balance the applicant's need for a viable business with the residents' right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes. The residents' concerns also included public safety, obstruction of access to their residential block, and the prevention of crime and disorder. The imposed conditions aimed to balance these competing interests.