Residents' concerns over late-night alcohol sales have led to a licensing committee denying an application for a convenience store to sell alcohol until 3 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to consider the application for Unit 3, 111-112 Cheney Walk, London, SW10 0DJ. The applicant, Mr. Rajender Singh, initially sought permission for off-site alcohol sales until 3 am on these evenings, with proposed public opening hours to match.
However, the application faced significant opposition, with 23 representations from local residents, community groups, and the Metropolitan Police. Objectors cited concerns about potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the impact on the predominantly residential and conservation area.
Amendments and Concerns
In response to the widespread objections, Mr. Singh amended his proposal to restrict alcohol sales and public opening hours to 11 pm every day of the week. He also indicated a willingness to consider extending Saturday hours to midnight under certain conditions.
Despite the amendment, the Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Charlotte Bennett, expressed a breakdown of trust
due to the applicant's initial unwillingness to negotiate during the consultation period. PC Bennett stated that she had engaged with the applicant on two occasions during the consultation period, asking if they could discuss the hours and introduce conditions, which might have put her in a more comfortable position to not object. She found it quite strange
that they were unwilling to negotiate at the time.
Concerns were also raised about the sale of miniature bottles and cocktails. PC Charlotte Bennett of the Metropolitan Police highlighted these as a massive concern
because they are commonly used by street drinkers, also drug users.
The effectiveness of a proposed hatch-style sales facility was also questioned.
Residents voiced strong opposition, highlighting the predominantly residential character of Cheney Walk and the potential for noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. Many pointed to the council's own licensing policy, which generally limits late-night opening to midnight in residential areas. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Statement of Licensing Policy generally limits late-night opening to midnight in residential areas. For alcohol sales after midnight, applicants are expected to demonstrate that the operation would not lead to crime and disorder, disturbance, or noise nuisance.
Planning and Conditions
A Planning Officer noted a historic planning condition restricting restaurant use to between 11 am and 11 pm (or 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays), to safeguard neighbouring amenity.
Discussions also covered draft conditions, with the applicant agreeing to measures such as CCTV, staff training, and a no ID, no sale
policy. Mr. Singh indicated a willingness to consider extended hours until midnight on Saturdays if conditions could be met. He stated, On a periodical, quarterly basis, if there are any nuisance or anything not complying with as requested, yes, we can. That can be looked into.
After hearing all submissions, the committee retired to make its decision, which was to deny the late-night alcohol sales as originally proposed. A summary determination was to be sent within five working days.
