Residents of North Cheam have voiced their concerns regarding a new premises licence application for B and W Food and Wine, located at 575 London Road. The application, submitted by Shahpoor Bazmangal, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.

The Sutton Council Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 03 July 2025 to discuss the application, which requests the following hours for alcohol sales:

  • Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 23:00
  • Friday and Saturday: 08:00 to 00:00
  • Sunday: 08:00 to 22:00

Exterior view of the proposed location for B and W Food and Wine, 575 London Road, North Cheam.
Exterior view of the proposed location for B and W Food and Wine, 575 London Road, North Cheam.Source: Licensing Sub-Committee papers, 3 July 2025

Resident Concerns

The council received two representations from local residents, both citing concerns about potential public nuisance and antisocial behaviour. One resident expressed worries about late-night disturbances, referencing existing issues near the Nonsuch Inn Wetherspoons, a 24-hour McDonald's, and late-night chicken shops. The resident stated:

I would like to point out we have to put up with a lot of anti social behaviour which goes on way passed midnight Wetherspoons is right opposite which is supposed to close 12pm weekdays and 1pm weekends but finishes later. There has been a lot of trouble and drunken behaviour particularly fighting shouting and screaming...

The resident also recalled a serious fight involving individuals from the Nonsuch Inn and McDonald's, resulting in a young man losing an eye, and expressed fears that the new licence would encourage intoxicated individuals to the area late at night.

Another resident, living near the shop, objected to the licence, believing it would encourage further antisocial behaviour. They also raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable adults and the number of existing businesses selling alcohol within a short walking distance, including a Sainsbury's supermarket, Sainsbury's petrol garage, Londis, Costcutter, and another late-night licensed business.

Applicant's Operating Schedule

The applicant's operating schedule includes several proposed conditions to address potential issues, such as:

  • A till prompt system for age checks.
  • CCTV coverage of public areas.
  • A clear window policy to deter underage sales and loitering.
  • Purchasing alcohol from Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme registered wholesalers.
  • No self-service of spirits and high-value alcohol displayed behind the counter.
  • No promotional alcoholic drink offers near entrances/exits.
  • Implementation of a Challenge 25 policy.
  • Maintenance of a refusals book and an incident logbook.
  • Staff training on alcohol sales and underage sales prevention.

Map showing the location of B and W Food and Wine at 575 London Road, North Cheam, and nearby businesses.
Map showing the location of B and W Food and Wine at 575 London Road, North Cheam, and nearby businesses.Source: Licensing Sub-Committee papers, 3 July 2025

The schedule also includes conditions for deliveries, such as confirming customers are over 18 when ordering, payment at the time of ordering, and no deliveries to public places.

Licensing Objectives

The Licensing Sub-Committee is tasked with considering the application in accordance with statutory guidance, the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and the representations received. The reports pack outlines the four licensing objectives:

  • The prevention of crime and disorder
  • Public safety
  • The prevention of public nuisance
  • The protection of children from harm

The sub-committee can grant the application as requested, grant it with conditions, exclude licensable activities, or reject the application. The agenda for the meeting also included discussion of the Licensing Hearing Procedures.