A bid by KK Convenience Store in Tooting to extend its alcohol sales hours until 2am daily has been refused by Wandsworth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee.

The application, heard on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, sought to vary the premises licence to allow for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises until 2am every day. Currently, alcohol sales are permitted until 11pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 10:30pm on Sundays.

Exterior view of KK Convenience Store on Tooting High Street
KK Convenience Store

The Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority both objected to the extended hours, citing concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. These objections were largely based on the store's location within the Tooting Broadway Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), an area designated due to existing issues with alcohol-related violence, anti-social behaviour, and street drinking.

Map showing the Cumulative Impact Zone for Tooting Broadway
Tooting Broadway Cumulative Impact Zone

PC Belinda Loizou of the Metropolitan Police presented data indicating a rise in offences in the area between January and April 2026, including violence, sexual offences, and anti-social behaviour. She argued that extending alcohol sales hours would exacerbate these problems.

Russ Stevens, a Principal Licensing Officer for the Licensing Authority, echoed these concerns, stating that the application did not meet the exceptions outlined in the council's Cumulative Impact Policy. The applicant's proposal did not meet these exceptions because:

  • The premises is not a specialist or ancillary alcohol retailer.
  • There was no proposal to restrict the sale of high-strength alcohol (above 5.5% ABV).
  • The application represented a clear extension of hours.

He noted that the proposed extension would significantly increase alcohol availability during times already identified as problematic.

A local resident, Vincent Johnson, also objected, expressing fears of increased noise and anti-social behaviour, particularly if drinkers were drawn to the area after other venues closed.

The applicant, Kavikumar Paramasivan, and his business partner, Karthik, stated that the extension was necessary for the business's viability and pledged to adhere to regulations. To mitigate potential increased noise and anti-social behaviour, the applicant proposed several measures:

  • CCTV: Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system covering all areas, including entry/exit points, with recordings retained for a minimum of 31 days and made available to police upon request.
  • Signage: Notices to be displayed asking customers to leave the premises quietly and not to congregate outside.
  • Staff Encouragement: Staff to politely encourage customers not to congregate outside, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
  • Customer Dispersal: Active management of customer dispersal from the premises and immediate vicinity.
  • Deliveries/Waste: No deliveries or waste collections between 22:00 and 07:00. Waste to be kept securely, and movement of bins minimized.
  • Vulnerable Persons Training: Staff training on the welfare of vulnerable persons, with a protocol for contacting emergency services if concerns arise.
  • Doors to be kept closed: External doors to be kept closed from 23:00 hours except for immediate access and egress.
  • Challenge 25: Strict enforcement of a Challenge 25 policy with acceptable forms of photographic identification.
  • Refusals Log: Maintenance of a record of all refused sales.

During the hearing, the applicant offered to reduce the proposed extension to midnight on weekdays, stating, we would request it until 12pm. Is that okay? If it's okay for everyone, just considering, like, two hours of extension, do up till 12 o'clock? Like, if you see the 2D high streets, most of the shops are open till 12. So, we would request the same, like, until 12pm. However, the sub-committee considered this offer but ultimately refused the application for the full extension to 2am.

A street view of Tooting High Street, showing KK Convenience Store and other businesses
Tooting High Street

Beyond general concerns about crime and disorder and public nuisance, the sub-committee's reasoning for refusing the application was that it failed to adequately address the cumulative impact of increasing the availability of alcohol in an area already deemed saturated with premises selling alcohol. The Licensing Authority stated, This application has simply not addressed that negative impact.

The decision, reasons, and any legal guidance will be confirmed in writing within five working days. The full details of the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack 19th-Aug-2026 19.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.