Newspot, Lavender Hill (image from Google Streetview)

To continue today’s licensing theme, Newspot, at 8 Lavender Hill has received an application to extend their licensed hours. Their current hours end at 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30pm on Sunday. They are applying for an alcohol licence between 8am until 2am Monday to Thursday, 8am until 3am Friday and Saturday and 10am until 2am on Sunday.

As is often the case with licensing, I find libertarian ideals conflicting with a more authoritarian streak. As a general principle, I don’t see why (or anyone else) shouldn’t be able to buy alcohol when we want – provided the retailer and I both act responsibly. However, the licensing regime we have means that late licences can become destinations and, as a result, problems. In this instance, having recently seen new conditions applied on the Beaufoy, I can’t help but see a new late licence in the area as a retrograde step. In an area that has struggled, but is hopefully about to turn a corner, I would need a lot of persuasion that this application benefits Lavender Hill.

If you want to make a representation you have until 20 June. Representations must relate to the four licensing objectives:

  • The prevention of crime and disorder
  • The prevention of public nuisance
  • Public safety
  • The protection of children from harm

The council’s licensing pages provide more information.

If you wish to make an observation you can do so by writing to:
Head of Licensing
Licensing Section
London Borough of Wandsworth
PO Box 47095
London
SW18 9AQ

or by emailing licensing@wandsworth.gov.uk

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