Richmond residents are voicing strong opposition to a new convenience store's application for a premises licence that would allow the sale of alcohol until late at night. The application has been criticised for failing to address the requirements of Richmond's Cumulative Impact Policy.
The Licensing Sub-Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council is set to review the application for Grab & Go, located at 57-58 George Street, Richmond, at a meeting on Monday, 4 August 2025. The application has drawn objections from local residents and associations, primarily due to concerns about potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.
Grab & Go is seeking permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises from 08:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The store also proposes to remain open until midnight from Monday to Thursday, and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The application describes the premises as a small convenience store catering to passers-by and local customers. Applicant Mr Ajmeet Singh Dang, states that staff will receive training to support the licensing objectives.
The application includes an operating schedule with measures such as staff training, a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV, and cooperation with authorities. The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns but withdrew their objection after Mr Dang agreed to additional conditions, including maintaining a CCTV system, implementing a security and safety plan, and providing staff training.
However, the council has received six representations from local residents and two residents' associations opposing the application. Concerns relate to the potential negative impact on public safety, crime and disorder, and public nuisance in the town centre. Several objectors highlighted the location of the premises within the Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) for Richmond Town Centre.
A Cumulative Impact Area is defined as an area where the concentration of licensed premises is believed to be having a negative impact on the licensing objectives. In such areas, applications for new licences or variations to existing licences may be refused if relevant representations are received, unless the applicant can demonstrate that their application will not add to the cumulative impact.
The Richmond Society, a local civic and community charity, argues that the application lacks any reference to the requirements of the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and the Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP). The Richmond Society argues that the application is seriously lacking in any reference whatsoever to the requirements of the Cumulative Impact Zone and the Cumulative Impact Policy,
stating that It is an absolute requirement for anyone who applies for a licence within the CIZ to demonstrate that there will be no negative impact on the zone. This application is silent on this matter.
The Friends of Richmond Green also raised concerns about the application's failure to address the Cumulative Impact Policy and its potential impact on the licensing objectives.
Objectors argue that granting the licence could exacerbate existing issues with antisocial behaviour, noise, and litter in the area. They also express concerns about the proximity of the premises to residential properties and public green spaces, such as Richmond Green.
One resident, Claude Schmitt, wrote to the council expressing concerns about the impact on public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. Mr Schmitt stated that Richmond already experiences disruption on weekend evenings, including antisocial behaviour linked to alcohol consumption, and that a new outlet offering late-night alcohol sales risks exacerbating these issues.
Another resident, J. P. Alexander, stated that while they are not opposed to the off-premises sale of alcohol in general, they are against the late-night hours requested in the application. Mr Alexander expressed doubts that staff would be able to deal with rowdy customers and that providing more alcohol late at night would increase the existing inebriation of purchasers, potentially leading to crime and disorder.
Maria Maher also objected to the proposal, stating that the introduction of this off licence would significantly lower the tone of the high street. Ms Maher also raised concerns about the combination of alcohol sales alongside sweets and vapes, which she believes risks encouraging underage drinking.
Rob Whiteford, a resident of one of the flats located above the commercial unit, objected to the application based on concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder. Mr Whiteford stated that the operation of a business selling alcohol directly beneath a residential property is likely to cause significant disruption to the peaceful environment of the building.
The Licensing Sub-Committee, consisting of Councillor Jonathan Cardy, Councillor Rob O`Carroll, and Councillor Lesley Pollesche, will consider the application and representations at the meeting. The sub-committee can grant the application with or without conditions, grant it in part, or refuse it.
The sub-committee will note the procedure to be followed for the hearing, which is outlined in the Public Reports Pack. The procedure includes introductions, confirmation of prerequisites, declarations of interest, presentations by the licensing officer and parties who have registered to speak, and an opportunity for questions and closing remarks. The sub-committee will then retire to discuss the application and make a decision.
