A Tolworth fast food shop is seeking permission to provide late-night deliveries, according to documents considered by the Kingston upon Thames Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Chicken King, located at 54 Tolworth Broadway, has applied for a new premises licence to provide late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 02:00, Monday to Sunday. The application was discussed at a meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee.
According to the Public Reports Pack, the applicant, Mr Charles Perianayagassamy, initially sought permission to open until 02:00 every day. However, following discussions with the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Environmental Health (Pollution Control) Lead Officer, the application was amended so that the premises will close to the public at midnight, with late-night refreshment being provided through delivery service only from midnight to 02:00.
The report pack also notes that representations were initially received from the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Environmental Health (Pollution Control) Lead Officer. The Metropolitan Police had concerns related to the Prevention of Crime and Disorder licensing objective, while the Council's Environmental Health (Pollution Control) Lead Officer had concerns related to the Prevention of Public Nuisance licensing objective. However, these representations were withdrawn after the applicant made amendments to their operating schedule and opening hours.
One valid representation was received from an Other Person, raising concerns related to all four licensing objectives:
- Prevention of Crime and Disorder
- Public Safety
- Prevention of Public Nuisance
- Protection of Children from Harm
The representation stated that late-night operation may attract customers who linger outside, leading to antisocial behaviour. It also raised concerns about intoxicated customers creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for residents, increased noise and cooking odours, and the potential for unsupervised minors to be exposed to older patrons.
The Public Reports Pack included the following proposed conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule:
- A comprehensive CCTV system will be installed and maintained.
- The restaurant entrance will be locked at 00:00 for customers, and only unlocked for accredited delivery drivers.
- Clear signage will be displayed stating that the restaurant will be closed after 00:00.
- Front of house and external lights will be switched off at 00:00.
- Signage will be displayed requesting that delivery drivers switch off their vehicles and refrain from loitering or smoking outside the premises.
- The Licence Holder will bring this signage to the attention of any food delivery company that is engaged to provide delivery services.
- From 23:00 to closing time, external checks shall take place every 30 minutes to ensure that delivery drivers behave in an orderly fashion.
- All staff will be trained to ask customers to leave quietly.
- There will be appropriate signage requesting customers to leave quietly.
- The premises licence holder shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that any persons loitering outside the premises disperse quickly and do not congregate.
- Staff will routinely check the premises and area out the front during operational hours to ensure that the premises are clean and tidy.
Licensing officers undertake inspections and visits of licensed premises, both independently and in partnership with other authorities, to assess compliance with the terms and conditions of the respective licence. This includes monitoring the effectiveness of the proposed conditions, such as the 30-minute external checks.
The agenda for the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting is available on the Kingston Council website.