Pub’s licence to be reviewed after row over new outdoor seating area

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Neighbours of a Wimbledon pub said it was like drinkers are “in their front rooms” after a new outdoor seating area was created.

The Sultan, in South Wimbledon, will have its licence reviewed this week after complaints that benches in the pub car park are causing a disturbance.

But the pub, in Norman Road, has been defended by other locals and regulars, with more than 30 people writing letters in its support.

The review will take place on Friday by Merton council’s licensing committee.

It comes after residents complained that six new picnic tables which can seat up to 36 people in the old car park of the pub means they are being disrupted in their homes.

A letter signed by 12 neighbours requests the review of the licence. It said there has been a “negative impact” on the area and calls on the council to stop the pub from using the new seating area and return it to a car park.

But a letter written by Alison Freezer from Hop Back Brewery plc said complaints from locals contained “gross exaggeration”.

In it she said that to discourage late night noise, the seating area is only available between 3 and 9pm on weekdays and from midday until 9.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pictured top: The Sultan, in South Wimbledon (Picture: Google  Street View)