Pepe's Piri Piri on Tolworth Broadway has been granted a late-night licence, allowing it to serve customers until 1:30 am from Sunday to Thursday and 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises will operate as delivery-only after midnight.
The decision was made by the Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council during a meeting held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as detailed in the public reports pack for the meeting.
While the initial application sought hours until 2 am, this was reduced following discussions. Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police concerning crime and disorder. These concerns were satisfied after the applicant agreed to amendments to their operating schedule, which were reflected as conditions in Annex 3 of the report. Two valid representations were also received from other persons, raising concerns about crime and disorder, and public nuisance. These objectors highlighted the potential for increased delivery vehicle movements, noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour, and congregation outside the premises, even with a delivery-only operation after midnight.
During the hearing, the applicant's agent, Mohammed Sultan Malik of NASA Design Studio, explained that the amended hours were aligned with other establishments in the area. Measures to manage delivery drivers, prevent public nuisance, and ensure litter collection were detailed. Saeed Shah, the applicant, added that staff would be fully trained and that CCTV cameras covered the external area.
Councillor Peter Higgins inquired about staff training, and Councillor Yvonne Tracey asked about any instances of anti-social behaviour. The applicant confirmed staff qualifications and stated there had been no complaints to date. Parking arrangements for delivery drivers were also clarified.
The rationale behind allowing a delivery-only service after midnight was to address concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police and other objectors regarding crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. By restricting access to customers after midnight, the aim was to reduce potential congregation outside the premises and associated disturbances. Enforcement of this condition would be through the conditions incorporated into the licence.
Conditions Incorporated into the Licence:
The licence was granted with several conditions beyond the amended operating hours, aimed at mitigating potential negative impacts on the local community. These include:
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV): A comprehensive system must be installed and maintained with 28-day recording retention, covering public access areas. Recordings must be of evidential quality, and images supplied in a viewable format. Signage indicating CCTV use must be prominent, and the system must be capable of clear facial recognition.
- Delivery Drivers: Drivers are instructed not to congregate outside, to wait inside where practicable, to switch off vehicle engines while waiting, and to not obstruct pavements or highways. The Premises Licence Holder must ensure engaged food delivery companies are aware of these arrangements. Signage will also be displayed requesting drivers to leave the area quietly and respect local residents.
- Signage: Clear signage will request customers and delivery riders to leave quietly and respect residents, stating that those causing nuisance, fighting, or involved in drug-related offences will be banned. Prominent signage will indicate the restaurant is closed to customers after 00:00 hours.
- Outside Area Management: Staff will actively monitor and manage the area immediately outside the premises during late-night trading hours and disperse any groups.
- Waste Management: No waste disposal, bottle/bin movements, or external cleaning will occur between 23:00 and 07:00 hours.
- Premises Operation: The restaurant entrance door will be locked to customers from 00:00 hours, only opened for accredited delivery drivers. Front-of-house and external lighting will be switched off at 00:00 hours, with the premises operating under kitchen lighting only until licensable activities cease.
Objectors to the Pepe's Piri Piri application raised concerns about increased noise from delivery vehicles, potential for increased litter from food packaging, and general disturbance to residents during sleeping hours. For KFC, similar concerns about noise from delivery vehicles, idling engines, car doors, shouting, music, and people congregating outside were raised, along with increased litter and potential for anti-social behaviour. Residents also expressed concerns about light pollution and the smell from extractor fans.
It was stated that SIA-qualified staff were employed for night shifts at Pepe's Piri Piri, indicating a level of security personnel. The applicant also confirmed that staff would be fully trained to handle situations. For KFC, the operating schedule included 'special late-night training' and 'dispersal management'. The applicant also mentioned that delivery drivers would be waiting inside the premises after 11 pm.
Full details and reasons for the decision are expected to follow within five working days. The decision was made during a meeting detailed in the Agenda frontsheet for Thursday 13 August 2026, 09:45 Licensing Sub-Committee.
Agenda frontsheet Thursday 13-Aug-2026 09.45 Licensing Sub-Committee Public reports pack Thursday 13-Aug-2026 09.45 Licensing Sub-Committee
