Kingston upon Thames Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has granted a licence extension for Sonnys, a venue located at 4 Bishops Hall, despite significant noise concerns raised by local residents.

The decision, made on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, allows for extended terminal hours for licensable activities, including live and recorded music, and the sale of alcohol. The venue will now be able to extend its hours until 11:30 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Public opening hours will also be extended to midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

A map showing the location of Sonnys at 4 Bishops Hall, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1QN, near the River Thames and Kingston Bridge.
Map of Sonnys location

The application had faced strong opposition from 11 local residents, many of whom live on houseboats and in cottages opposite the venue. Their primary concern was the prevention of public nuisance due to noise, citing issues with bass music and crowd noise travelling across the River Thames. Residents reported that current noise levels are already intrusive and that extending the hours would exacerbate problems with sleep, well-being, and the quiet enjoyment of their homes. Complaints also included noise from patrons congregating outside, late-night dispersal, littering, and public urination.

Exterior view of Sonnys and The Bishop establishments in Kingston upon Thames.
Exterior of Sonnys and The Bishop

Multiple residents have submitted representations citing concerns about noise. One resident states, I have been complaining about the impact of Sonny's on my families wellbeing and our ability to enjoy our home in peace since its opening in early July 2025. These complaints have been addressed to Nikki Bently and John Sibson at Kingston Council as well as directly to Sam Berry from Sonny's. Another states, We have spoken on numerous occasions with the Kingston noise officer about this already, should you need evidence of us raising our concerns in the past. Residents also mention that noise complaints have already been made in relation to the operation of Sonny Bar during its existing licensed hours, demonstrating that the premises is already having a detrimental impact on residential amenity.

One representation mentions crowds of over 200 people partying until 1am, and another states that live music and crowds of over 200 people partying until 1am. The application itself mentions If your proposed variation would mean that 5,000 or more people are expected to attend the premises at any one time, please state the number expected to attend with no number filled in, suggesting the capacity is below 5,000. The potential for noise nuisance is directly linked to the crowd size, as indicated by the mention of crowds of over 200 people partying until 1am contributing to noise issues.

The council's Environmental Health department did not object to the proposed hours but recommended additional conditions related to a noise-limiting device, a dispersal policy, and a comprehensive noise management plan.

To address the residents' concerns, the subcommittee imposed modified and additional conditions. These include requirements for a noise limiter, a revised noise management plan to be reviewed in consultation with residents, police, and Environmental Health, and measures to manage customer behaviour outside the premises. The decision aims to balance the applicant's request for extended trading hours with the need to uphold licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance.

An exterior view of Sonnys, a venue located by the River Thames, with outdoor seating and umbrellas.
Sonnys exterior by the River Thames

The specific noise-limiting device mandated will control the maximum audible levels of music played at the premises at a set level. It must be installed and set within three months of the license grant at a level approved by an authorized officer, with all music played through this system. The system shall not be adjusted or replaced without prior written approval, must be maintained securely, and monitored to ensure music levels do not exceed the set level.

Furthermore, Sonnys shall adopt a revised noise management plan, which will be reviewed periodically and updated where necessary in consultation with residents, police, and Environmental Health. This plan is proposed as a replacement for condition 25 in Annex 2 of the current licence. The Environmental Health officer recommended that the Noise Management Plan be completed by one month from license approval and implemented within 30 days. It should be reviewed no less than annually or following any changes to the operation of the premises and identify the person responsible for its implementation, monitoring, and review. The plan should encompass current best practice and be available for inspection by an authorized officer.

To manage customer behaviour outside the premises, there shall be at least one door supervisor on the terrace from 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays when the terrace is open, for the purpose of monitoring customer behaviour. Clear and legible notices must be prominently displayed at all exits requesting customers to respect local residents and leave the premises and area quietly. The premises licence holder shall also take all reasonable steps to ensure that any persons loitering outside the premises disperse quickly and do not congregate. External checks will take place to ensure compliance when regulated entertainment is in progress, with appropriate steps taken to reduce noise if this is not the case. Written records of these checks and any remedial action must be kept and available at the premises for inspection by the police or authorised local authority officers.

The entrance to Sonnys, a venue whose premises licence was varied by the Licensing Sub-Committee.
Entrance to Sonnys

The council's policy aims to strike a reasonable balance between the legitimate aspirations of the hospitality/entertainment industry and the needs of residents, businesses, workers, shoppers and visitors. The statement of licensing policy also notes that Each application must be considered on its own merits and in accordance with the Licensing authority's statement of licensing policy. It further states that When dealing with new and variation applications, the Licensing Authority will give more favourite consideration to applications with the opening and closing times listed in the table below which outlines preferred hours for different types of premises. The policy also acknowledges that ambient noise levels fall from around 23:00 hours. Residents can tolerate an element of noise disturbance in the earlier part of the night when ambient noise levels are high, but find it increasingly intolerable as ambient levels fall. The unique residential setup of houseboats is highlighted by residents who state, Residents living on houseboats and in cottages opposite the venue highlighted how sound, particularly bass music and crowd noise, travels and amplifies across the River Thames.

In its decision, the subcommittee stated that it had considered the application in light of the Licensing Act 2003, the Secretary of State's Guidance, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, noting that each application must be considered on its own merits. The meeting agenda and public reports pack can be found at Agenda frontsheet Tuesday 24-Mar-2026 09.45 Licensing Sub-Committee and Public reports pack Tuesday 24-Mar-2026 09.45 Licensing Sub-Committee, respectively. Late material is available here.

The interior of Sonnys, a venue with a DJ booth, disco ball, and stacked tables and benches, likely taken before a council meeting regarding its premises license.
Interior of Sonnys