The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to REFUSE the application for a variation of an existing Premises Licence. At present the Premises Licence permitted Off Sales Monday to Saturday 8am to 11pm, Sunday 10am to 1030pm. The application was for an extension from Monday to Thursday to midnight, Friday and Saturday to 1am and Sunday to midnight.

The Sub-Committee noted concerns raised regarding the four licensing objectives including
the Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Public Safety; the Prevention of Public Nuisance; and
the Protection of Children From Harm.

The Sub-Committee noted concerns regarding unauthorised sales of alcohol and underage sales.

The Applicant had argued that he needed the extension to ensure that the business remained viable, to
meet market demands and be able to compete with other retail outlets and online shopping
specialists.

There had been breaches of the current licence. On 17 June 2024 Council Licensing Officers had visited the Premises to discuss unauthorised sales of alcoholic beverages. On 8 November 2024 Council Licensing Officers had conducted a test purchase and were able to obtain alcoholic beverages at 23:30 and on the following day on 9 November 2024 another test purchase was completed at 23:36. An Interested Party had submitted a receipt of alcoholic beverage being purchased after 23:00 on 23 October 2025. This was reportedly purchased by an underage family member.

The Sub-Committee noted the Premises was also located in a residential area which
included families with young children and retail outlets with licensable activities in the locality
closed at 23:00. The Sub-Committee noted that there was no indication that there had been
any recent change of management during the recent years despite being advised that the
Premises was under new management.

The Sub-Committee were not satisfied that the Applicant would adhere to any new
Conditions imposed by the Licensing Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee also noted
concerns of residents and that the Applicant had failed to address them despite them being
raised.

EastSheenMatters spoke to the Applicant at the shop in mid November. His primary point then was that he was licensed to sell alcohol at his shop in Vauxhall during the hours for which he was applying in Sheen. The shop has since been gutted. It remains to be seen what a refitting will look like.