Sutton, London – A recent meeting of the Sutton Council Licensing Sub-Committee saw the approval of a new premises licence for Kanteen, a restaurant located at 185 Stafford Road, Wallington, SM6 9BT. The decision, made on June 17, 2025, came after extensive debate concerning potential public nuisance, particularly from noise, in the largely residential area.
The application, submitted by Arka Licensing Consultants on behalf of Kevz Catering Ltd, initially sought permission for the sale of alcohol and recorded music until 1:00 AM daily, alongside late-night refreshment services. However, residents and council officers raised significant objections.
The Council’s Environmental Health (Noise Pollution) Officer, for instance, highlighted that “The premises was located in a quiet area largely residential area” and expressed concern that “Noise from the premises would travel to the residential properties above and adjoining the premises”. Four local residents also submitted representations, focusing on the prevention of public nuisance.
A representative for the ward councillors, speaking on behalf of Councillor Jayne McCoy, further emphasized that “The premises was located in a residential area”. They stated that while ward councillors supported local businesses, “music after 11pm could create a nuisance in a residential area”.
In response, the applicant’s agent argued that “The premises had previously operated as a takeaway, this type of premises would be noisier than a restaurant”. They also suggested that “As the premises was small therefore the volume of music could not be too loud” and that customers primarily dined rather than just drinking.
After deliberation, the Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Cumar Sahathevan, acknowledged the “concerns about noise disturbance and Public Nuisance which the application could create after midnight in a residential area”. The committee also noted that “The consumption of alcohol in the outside area was likely to create public nuisance later in the evening”.
As a result, the licence was granted with several key conditions. Notably, the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption is now restricted until 11:30 PM daily, and recorded music must cease by 11:00 PM. Furthermore, no alcohol is permitted to be consumed in the outside area after 10:00 PM, and late-night refreshment provision from 11:30 PM to midnight is limited to takeaway/delivery service only. The premises must also operate strictly as a restaurant, with alcohol sales tied to food orders.
It’s a resolution that typifies Sutton Council’s tightrope walk: encouraging business while protecting the fragile hush of suburban nights. Kanteen gets its licence, but with enough conditions to keep the local chorus of complainers from warming up their vocal cords. Meanwhile, the residents can rest easy, dreaming of a world where the only nighttime noises are distant foxes and the odd Deliveroo scooter zipping by.
References:
- Agenda Frontsheet 17062025 1400 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf https://moderngov.sutton.gov.uk/documents/g6225/Agenda%20frontsheet%2017th-Jun-2025%2014.00%20Licensing%20Sub-Committee.pdf?T=0
- Printed minutes 17062025 1400 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf https://moderngov.sutton.gov.uk/documents/g6225/Printed%20minutes%2017th-Jun-2025%2014.00%20Licensing%20Sub-Committee.pdf?T=1
- Audio recording https://soundcloud.com/suttoncommitteesaudio/licensing-sub-committee-17-june-2025?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fsuttoncommitteesaudio%252Flicensing-sub-committee-17-june-2025