Cafe owners await decision on booze licence which could save it from closure

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Owners of a Portuguese café said a licence to serve alcohol later could save it from closure in the face of rising costs.

Chave do Duoro in South Norwood Hill currently stops serving alcohol at 7pm from Sunday to Thursday, and at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

It has applied to Croydon council to start serving alcohol until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application was discussed by the council’s licensing committee on Tuesday.

Councillor Claire Bonham said she supported the local business but added she had received objections from three residents who were concerned customers would be congregating outside or drinking outside after 10pm.

She said one of the residents had felt intimidated by people congregating on the pavement outside before.

Manuel Rocha, who spoke on behalf of the cafe, said: “The reason we want to extend the sale of alcohol is for financial reasons, we think they are reasonable hours.

“As everyone knows there is an increase on the cost of products and energy bills have gone through the roof.

“We understand the neighbours’ concerns and the business wants to have the best relations with the neighbours.”

He said he agreed with conditions to limit the number of people congregating outside, for nobody outside drinking after 10pm and for alcohol to be served with table service only.

Mr Rocha added: “We think what we’ve applied for is normal and it is good for residents if the business stays open.

“It is really bad when we see businesses closing in the area. Hopefully we can pass through this crisis but I think it is going to be tough times in the next few months. We are going to see a lot of businesses closing down.”

Croydon council will publish its decision on the licensing application after Christmas.

Pictured top: Chave do Douro in South Norwood Hill (Picture: Google Street View)