A new convenience store's bid to sell alcohol has been granted by Sutton Council's Licensing Sub-Committee, despite objections from local residents and a nearby business owner.
Foodland, located at 702 London Road, North Cheam, SM3 9BY, was granted a premises licence to sell alcohol for off-site consumption between 8am and 11pm seven days a week. The decision was made at a Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
During the hearing, Bipin Thomas, representing Connect Foods UK Ltd, stated that alcohol sales would constitute a small portion of the business, estimated at around 5% of overall trade. He highlighted the store's focus on world foods and explained that the application was a response to customer requests. Mr. Thomas assured the committee of the applicant's experience in retail and a public house, with no prior complaints at those establishments. He committed to implementing a strict Challenge 25 policy, maintaining a refusal register, utilising CCTV, and restricting the sale of high-strength beers and ciders (above 6.5% ABV) and single cans. Alcohol would be stored behind the counter and would not exceed 20% of the displayed stock.
However, the application faced objections from four Other Persons.
Concerns were raised regarding potential negative impacts on public safety, crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Specific worries included increased pedestrian activity and traffic in a busy area, the potential for intoxicated behaviour, and the cumulative impact of existing alcohol retailers in North Cheam. Objectors cited examples from other boroughs where a high density of licensed premises had been linked to anti-social behaviour and increased calls to emergency services. These included:
- London Borough of Barnet (2025): Reports indicated that the density of licensed premises contributed to alcohol misuse, street drinking, and a rise in 999 calls.
- Plymouth (March 2025): High availability of alcohol led to antisocial behaviour in Patna Park.
- Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (March 2025): A new outlet was argued to attract individuals engaging in street drinking and exacerbate existing disorder.
- London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (October 2025): Groups gathering outside off-licenses caused nuisances including violence and threatening behaviour.
- Bexley (February 2026): A new late-night alcohol license was objected to due to potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.
North Cheam already has a substantial number of outlets licensed to sell alcohol. Within close proximity to the proposed premises are Costcutter, Aldi, Tesco Express, and Sainsbury's, all of which sell alcohol. Additionally, there are two public houses nearby, The Nelson and The Nonsuch Inn. The objector argued that the 'cumulative' impact of these existing venues has already placed pressure on the local community. The council identifies specific areas with high concentrations of licensed premises where further applications are likely to be opposed, and the area of the premises was not within a stated area of Cumulative impact.
One objector, Jasbeer Singh Alwadi, who owns a nearby convenience store, expressed concerns about the financial impact on his established business, which has struggled due to nearby supermarket openings and other businesses selling similar items. He stated that the new application would create additional financial pressures and mentioned that his store had suffered from shoplifting.
The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns regarding the application. Following further consultation, the applicant addressed these concerns by making amendments to their operating schedule, which satisfied the police representation.
The Sub-Committee ultimately decided to grant the licence, imposing an additional condition that no more than 20% of the display sales area at the premises would be dedicated to the sale of alcohol. The committee noted that the proposed hours were within the guideline hours set out in Sutton's Statement of Licensing Policy. Sutton's policy sets guideline hours for off-premises alcohol sales as Monday to Thursday: 07:00 to 23:00; Friday and Saturday: 07:00 to 00:00; and Sunday: 07:00 to 23:00. The granted hours of 08:00 to 23:00 Monday to Sunday fall within these guidelines.
Conditions attached to the licence include those from the applicant's operating schedule, covering CCTV, an incident log, security measures, restrictions on alcohol display and volumes, staff training, a Challenge 25 policy, and a refusals book. These measures include:
- CCTV: A system will be maintained and operational at all times the premises is open, with recordings retained for a minimum of 31 days and viewable by police or authorised officers. Signage will be displayed stating CCTV is in operation.
- Incident Log: An incident logbook or electronic record will be maintained for significant incidents.
- Security: A clear window policy will be operated to deter underage and proxy sales and loitering. A personal licence holder will be on duty when alcohol is sold.
- Alcohol Display: High value alcohol will be stored behind the counter and only available on request. No promotional offers or bulk stacks will be displayed near entrances/exits.
- Outside Area: Staff will monitor the area immediately outside the premises to discourage loitering and report anti-social behaviour.
- Signage: Signage will be displayed at the exit requesting customers to leave quietly and with consideration for residents.
- Age Verification: A Challenge 25 Policy will be operated, with acceptable forms of identification listed. Notices will be placed at points of sale, and a till prompt system will be in place.
- Training: All staff will be trained in the sale of alcohol and age-restricted goods, with training records maintained. Refresher training will occur every six months.
- Refusals Book: A refusals book or electronic record will document all instances of refused sales.
- Age Restricted Products: These will be displayed behind the counter or in a supervised area.
Public reports pack 12th-Mar-2026 10.30 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf Committee Report - Foodland.pdf Appendix 3 - Conditions arising from applicants Operating Schedule.pdf Appendix 4- REDACTED Representations x 4 other person.pdf Appendix 5 - Location Plan.pdf Appendix 2 - Proposed hours of operation.pdf
