A decision on a new premises licence for Moochies Cafe on Kings Road has been delayed following a meeting of Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Sub-Committee. The cafe, located at 425 Kings Road, seeks permission to sell alcohol on and off the premises and play recorded music indoors between 7am and 11pm.
The application has faced significant opposition from local residents, with 29 objections submitted. The primary concerns revolve around potential public nuisance, public safety, crime and disorder, and the well-being of children in the area.
Resident Objections
Residents voiced fears that granting the licence could lead to increased noise, antisocial behaviour, and safety issues. Some residents stated that they have previously experienced drug dealing and violence in the area. Amalia Cabrero, a resident of the Cremorne Estate for 34 years, expressed concerns about the impact of takeaway alcohol sales. She stated:
If this licence is fully granted, we are likely to see a return of the noise and antisocial behaviour that we used to experience every day of the week, both on the pavement of the King's Road with a four-point presence. We'll all be out there drinking.
Cabrero also highlighted the vulnerability of the estate's residents, stating that 80% are deemed vulnerable by RBKC, and the potential for the cafe to exacerbate existing issues with antisocial behaviour.
Applicant's Response
Giuseppe Mucci, director of San Giovese Restaurant Limited, addressed the committee, emphasising his experience operating Mucci's Restaurant across the road for the past six years without complaints. He described Moochies Cafe as a small, food-led establishment with limited seating, and stated that the alcohol licence was intended to complement the food offer. Mucci also stated that he had invested £200,000 to transform what was a deteriorated plumbing shop into a beautiful modern cafe.
Mr Mucci outlined measures to address the four licensing objectives, including CCTV, staff training, and adherence to building and fire regulations. He also stated that he had accepted all the conditions requested by the Principal Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Philip Richardson, including restrictions on noise, smells, waste disposal, and deliveries. These conditions included ensuring that no noise or smells from the premises would cause a nuisance to neighbours, and that notices would be displayed requesting patrons to respect local residents. Specific restrictions were also placed on the times for waste collection and deliveries.1
Committee Questions and Concerns
Councillor Toby Benton questioned the 7am start time, which Mr Mucci clarified was for early morning coffee service. Councillor Priti Hud raised concerns about insulation and smells, with Mr Mucci stating that while there was no insulation, the cafe had a concrete floor of at least 50 centimetres depth and a £50,000 system with ESP filters and carbon fibre filters to mitigate smells.
There was also discussion regarding the need for a licence for recorded music if it was only going to be background music. The council's legal officer, Lindsay LeMassurier, clarified that background music does not impede on normal conversation. Paul Phelan from the Council's licensing team, clarified that recorded music is deregulated between 8am and 11pm, provided that the audience does not exceed 500 individuals and the premises is authorised to sell alcohol.
Delivery Concerns
Concerns were raised about delivery drivers causing noise and congestion. Mr Mucci stated that his policy was that delivery drivers would have to park their scooters legally and wait quietly at the front of the shop. He also stated that he would ask them to remove their helmets and show their order numbers. After some discussion, Mr Mucci agreed that drivers collecting food from his cafe could use the toilet facilities.
Allegations About Previous Complaints
Regina Folkman, one of the objectors, stated that she was not totally with that there have been no complaints made about the other restaurant. Mr. Freeland confirmed that there had been complaints logged on the system, including complaints about building services plant noise and music. The most recent complaint related to building services plant noise was logged on May 20th of this year. There was a further complaint regarding music in October 2024. There also seems to be one further complaint going back to 2023. The music complaint was logged at approximately 4.28 a.m. Mr Mucci stated that he had never heard of those complaints.
Councillor Janet Evans, chair of the licensing sub-committee, stated that the committee was only considering the application for Moochie's Pizza, and that any complaints about the other restaurant were not relevant.
Draft Conditions
The legal officer, Ms. LeMassurier, led a discussion on the draft conditions for the licence. These included:
- Regular patrols to pick up litter within a 20-metre radius of the premises.
- CCTV and signage.
- A refusal log.
- Staff training.
- Conditions relating to noise, smells, waste disposal, and deliveries, as agreed with environmental health.
Objectors raised concerns about the opening hours, the potential for noise from refuse collections and deliveries, and the delivery service policy. Mr Mucci agreed to change the times for refuse collections and deliveries to 8am, and to include motorbike riders in the delivery service policy. He clarified that his delivery policy requires drivers to park legally, wait quietly, remove their helmets and show their order numbers.
The committee discussed the issue of off-sales of alcohol, and it was agreed that alcohol could only be consumed by seated customers, and that off-sales would be in sealed containers.
Councillor Evans suggested that Mr Mucci offer residents a discount to create goodwill.
Next Steps
The committee adjourned to make its decision in private session. The decision will be announced within five working days.
- Mr. Philip Richardson requested the following conditions: The Premises Licence Holder shall ensure that no noise or vibration associated with the operation of plant at the Premises shall give rise to a nuisance to the occupiers of neighbouring properties; The Premises Licence Holder shall ensure that no smells generated from the cooking processes at the Premises, shall give rise to nuisance to occupiers of neighbouring properties; No music or amplified sound shall be generated within the Premises so as to give rise to nuisance within neighbouring dwellings; The Premises Licence Holder shall ensure that clearly legible notices shall be displayed at all exits from the Premises requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and to leave the Premises and area quietly; Waste will be presented no more than 30 minutes prior to its allocated waste collection time; Rubbish, including bottles or cans, shall not be deposited outside the Premises between 22:00 and 07:00 the following day; Refuse collections shall not take place between 22:00 and 07:00 the following day; Deliveries to the Premises shall not take place between 22:00 and 07:00 the following day; If the Premises Licence Holder decides to provide a delivery service through the provision of a delivery company then the Premises Licence Holder shall operate a delivery policy which shall be adhered to at all times the Premises are operating under the premises licence. The policy should contain a strategy on the attendance of couriers waiting to collect food from the Premises to ensure that neighbours are not disturbed by the delivery persons and their vehicles.