A temporary licence has been granted for the sale of Christmas trees on King Charles Road in Surbiton, following a decision by the Kingston upon Thames Licensing Sub-Committee.
The licence, awarded to Coffee on the Corner Surbiton LTD, will permit the sale of Christmas trees from November 27 to December 15, 2026, between 7am and 5pm daily. The proposed trading area is on the grass verge between the pavement and the fence of the Alexandra Recreation Playground.
Mr. Kyle Hyams, owner of Coffee on the Corner Surbiton LTD, has been selling Christmas trees at this location for several years. He highlighted the community benefits of the venture, including charitable donations and the establishment of a local tradition. Mr. Hyams presented evidence of over 50 emails of support from local residents and a primary school, detailing the positive impact of the Christmas tree sales on disadvantaged children and the wider community. The sales have brought people together in a safe environment. And it created a real sense of community and a new tradition, which to this day is loved by a lot of people locally.
Furthermore, Mr. Hyams stated that Every year we've operated, we've made charitable donations to various organisations. So that includes Kingston Churches, Action on Homelessness, Grand Avenue School, Christchurch School, Tollworth Infants, many more. We've donated thousands to all these different places.
However, two objections were raised by members of the public. One objector expressed concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety, citing the narrowness of the available space due to recent landscaping and the positioning of the proposed trading area. This objector also mentioned a previous issue with Christmas lights being strung across the road, which they deemed a hazard. Mr. Hyams clarified that With the lighting, I won't run it anywhere in public property. So we do have our own Christmas lights, which will go in the building, but no, we won't run it on public property.
He further confirmed, No, but I won't do that.
The subcommittee also asked, Is that something you intend to do again this year or any other years?
to which Mr. Hyams replied, No.
The second objector raised concerns about the appropriateness of commercial activity overlooking a children's recreational area and suggested that businesses should utilise their own property boundaries. This objector also referenced the previous issue with Christmas lights and congestion caused by a side service window at the coffee shop.
Marcella Basso, the licensing officer, confirmed that no objections were received from statutory consultees. The subcommittee asked clarifying questions regarding the precise area of trading and confirmed that the licence would specify this. Ms. Basso confirmed that any license issued will specify on the front of the license a description of the area, as precise as possible, and the plan is also attached to the license. It forms part of the license, and it clearly identifies the pitch as well.
The application form also states the proposed pitch is on the grass between the pavement and the Alexandra Recreation playground's fence.
Mr. Hyams explained his long-standing connection to Surbiton and the coffee shop's role in the community. He detailed how the Christmas tree sales began as a way to generate footfall during quieter winter months and have since become a valued local tradition. He also highlighted the business's charitable contributions, including the installation of a public defibrillator funded by profits from the Christmas tree sales. He also noted that many of the people who come and get their Christmas trees, they walk. We're in a residential area. They'll walk over. They'll pick one up. They carry it on their shoulder. People bring wheelbarrows and little trolleys.
After deliberation, the subcommittee decided to grant the temporary street trading licence.
Public reports pack Tuesday 07-Jul-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf
