Residents of North Cheam have voiced concerns that a new alcohol licence for B and W Food and Wine, located at 575 London Road, could exacerbate existing anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues in the area. Residents have reported instances of fighting, shouting, screaming, public urination, and general drunken behaviour, particularly late at night and early morning.
The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider the application by Shahpoor Bazmangal for a new premises licence, which would authorise the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. The proposed hours are 08:00 to 23:00 Monday to Thursday, 08:00 to 00:00 Friday and Saturday, and 08:00 to 22:00 on Sunday.
Manpreet Singh Kapoor, acting as agent for the applicant, described the premises as a Convenience Store, Vape, Mobile, Groceries, Off Licence
.
Resident Concerns
Two representations were received by the council from local residents, both raising concerns about potential public nuisance and increased ASB. One resident stated:
I am writing this email to strongly object to any late night application for extended hours and or for the sale of alcohol cigarettes etc from the shop B and W 575 London road North Cheam Sm39AE.
They cited existing problems with late-night disturbances, including drunken behaviour, fighting, and noise, linked to nearby establishments such as Wetherspoons and McDonald's. The resident also mentioned a serious fight a few months ago which involved a group of people from the nonsuch inn Wetherspoons and a gang of people from MacDonald's in which a young man lost an eye, this can be proven by police and hospital reports
. They expressed fears that the licence would encourage intoxicated individuals to come to their place of residence at late hours, potentially escalating arguments and worsening the situation.
Another resident echoed these concerns, stating:
I am a resident that lives [REDACTED] and it is my belief that the potential authorisation of the shop will ence further ASBO behaviour that has been ongoing in the vicinity of the area. The Nonsuch Inn- JD Wetherspoon pub is open until 12am and 1am throughout the week, a 24-hour McDonalds and a late night fried chicken takeaway shops accumulates a lot of drunken disorder most nights that disrupts noise levels.
This resident also highlighted the presence of young families in the area and the potential detrimental impact on a vulnerable adult's mental health due to increased intoxication outside their home. They questioned the need for another late-night alcohol vendor, given the existing presence of several similar businesses within a short walking distance. The representation stated that Wetherspoons is right opposite
the proposed location, and mentions the nearby McDonald's which is 24hrs as well as the 24hr chicken shops
.
Applicant's Proposed Conditions
The applicant's operating schedule includes several proposed conditions aimed at mitigating potential issues, including:
- A till prompt system for age checks.
- A CCTV system covering all public areas, entrances, and exits, with recordings retained for a minimum of 31 days.
- A clear window policy to deter underage and proxy sales.
- Alcohol to be purchased from Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme registered wholesalers.
- No self-service of spirits.
- High-value alcohol displayed behind the counter.
- No promotional alcoholic drink offers near entrances/exits.
- A Challenge 25 policy.
- Deliveries of alcohol only to residential or business addresses, with age verification required.
- No deliveries of supplies between 22:00 and 08:00.
- Notices at exits requesting customers to respect local residents and leave quietly.
- A refusals book to record instances of refused alcohol sales.
- An incident logbook.
- Staff training in alcohol sales and underage sales prevention.
The Licensing Sub-Committee is expected to consider these representations and the applicant's proposed conditions when making a decision on the licence application. The committee must have regard to statutory guidance and the council's own Statement of Licensing Policy, as well as the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
The Council's Statement of Licensing Policy (July 2023) outlines how the Licensing Authority promotes the four licensing objectives. The policy emphasizes considering each application on its own merits and making exceptions where appropriate to promote the licensing objectives. Relevant paragraphs of the Licensing Policy are attached at Appendix 7.
The Licensing Authority has the option to grant the application as requested, grant it subject to conditions that the authority considers appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, exclude certain activities from the licence, or reject the application altogether. Officers from the licensing team can also facilitate mediation between applicants, Responsible Authorities and other parties in respect of applications where representations are made, potentially leading to a mutually agreeable consensus incorporating conditions, adjusted times or other such measures. The decision will be based on whether the application promotes the licensing objectives in the overall interests of the local community, as detailed in the Public Reports Pack for the meeting.
After the hearing and within five days, officers will write to all parties to confirm the Sub-Committee's decision, giving full reasons. The decision and reasons for the decision will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, which will be circulated and made available on the website.