Concerns over 'breakdown of trust' and late-night alcohol sales dominate licensing hearing
Claims of a 'breakdown of trust' were heard by Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Sub-Committee as it considered an application for a premises licence for Unit 3, 111-112 Cheney Walk, London, SW10 0DJ.
The committee heard extensive objections from residents, local groups, and the Metropolitan Police regarding the applicant's initial proposal for alcohol sales until 3 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. While the applicant later amended this to 11 pm every day, concerns about the late hours, potential for public nuisance, and crime and disorder persisted.
PC Charlotte Bennett of the Metropolitan Police stated that the applicant's initial unwillingness to negotiate hours during the consultation period had created a breakdown of trust.
This reluctance to engage and negotiate at an earlier stage led the police to question the applicant's commitment to adhering to operating hours going forward. She also raised concerns about the sale of miniature bottles and cocktails, noting that these items are commonly used by street drinkers, also drug users.
The grounds for this concern were directly related to the prevention of crime and disorder and the potential for misuse of these products. The effectiveness of a proposed hatch-style sales facility was also questioned.
Objectors echoed these concerns, highlighting the predominantly residential and conservation area character of Cheney Walk. They argued that late-night alcohol sales would inevitably lead to increased noise, litter, congregation, and anti-social behaviour, impacting residents' amenity. The CRBA Limited, the Lots Road Neighbourhood Forum, and The Cheyne Walk Trust specifically raised concerns about the lack of adequate management plans. Objectors stated that the applicant had not provided sufficient detail on dispersal policies, customer waiting arrangements, delivery/collection restrictions, litter management, quiet leaving arrangements, or a resident contact/complaints procedure. The premises' location in a cul-de-sac was also highlighted as a concern due to limited parking, with vehicles entering and exiting potentially causing congestion. Concerns were also raised about delivery drivers parking and revving engines, and the impact on the main road, Cheyne Walk, which is a heavily used traffic route. The potential for increased traffic and parking issues was a significant concern, especially given the narrowness of the street and its red route designation.
Mr. David Waddell, who resides immediately adjacent to the premises, emphasized the physical proximity and the potential for disturbance from customers arriving and leaving, particularly during late hours. He also drew attention to the Royal Borough's Statement of Licensing Policy, which generally limits late-night opening to midnight in residential areas. This policy states that applications for alcohol sales after midnight will not normally be granted where relevant representations have been made, and applicants are expected to demonstrate that the operation would not lead to crime and disorder, disturbance, or noise nuisance. Exceptions are considered on individual merits if applicants can demonstrate that the extended hours will not conflict with the licensing objectives and will not create unreasonable disturbance to residents.
During the hearing, the applicant, Mr. Rajender Singh, agreed to amend the proposed hours for alcohol sales and public opening to 11 pm every day. He also indicated a willingness to consider extended hours until midnight on Saturdays, subject to conditions.
The committee also discussed draft conditions, including those related to CCTV, staff training, refusal of sales, and litter management. The applicant indicated willingness to accept a range of conditions, including: CCTV to be operational 24/7, recording, and footage retained for at least 31 days, made available to police within 24 hours of a request, with coverage of all areas including entry/exit points and the hatch. Staff would undergo licensing-objective training before selling alcohol, with training records kept. A no ID, no sale
policy was proposed, considered stricter than Challenge 25,
and a refusals register would be maintained. The frontage and an area extending at least 50 meters from the premises would be checked every two hours while open and at closing, with litter removed and checks recorded. Rubbish, including bottles and cans, would not be deposited outside the premises between 22:00 and 07:00.
A Planning Officer confirmed that while the current application was not inconsistent with the planning history, any operation inconsistent with existing planning restrictions could lead to enforcement action. Mr. David Saiz, the Planning Officer, mentioned a historic planning condition for 112 Cheney Walk that restricted restaurant use to between 11 am and 11 pm (or 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:30 pm on Sundays) to safeguard neighbouring amenity.
After hearing all submissions, the committee retired to make its decision, which would be communicated within five working days. The full details of the application and objections can be found in the Public reports pack for the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 15th October 2026.