Family-Run Café Secures License to Serve Alcohol Adjacent to South London Playground
A family-operated café has successfully obtained a license to serve alcoholic beverages in close proximity to a children's playground in South London, overcoming objections from local residents. Roha Park Café will open in the former One O'Clock Club building within Windmill Gardens, situated near Wandsworth Common, offering hot and soft drinks, food, wine, and beer to patrons.
Neighborhood Concerns Over Noise and Nuisance
Residents voiced significant concerns during the licensing process, submitting six formal objections to Wandsworth Council. They argued that allowing the café to sell alcohol late into the evening would disrupt the quiet, family-oriented residential area. The café is located next to Windmill Play Area and Wandsworth Common, raising fears about safety and appropriateness.
Peter Farrow expressed worries about potential "noise and nuisance" if alcohol service continued into nighttime hours. Dr. Amelia Hughes highlighted practical issues, stating, "It gets up to 40 degrees in the summer here. We will have to sleep with our windows open because our houses do not have air conditioning, and you're planning to have people drinking outside on a patio opposite my home with my children in it."
A written objection from another resident emphasized, "The café sits within a children’s play area and is surrounded by family homes. As a parent of two children who use the park regularly, I feel strongly that this space should remain safe, calm, and appropriate for families."
Council's Decision and Applicant's Assurance
Despite these concerns, Wandsworth Council's licensing committee approved the application, noting insufficient evidence to justify rejection. The committee acknowledged neighbors' worries but found the applicant, Inesa Qallija, to be running a "sincere small family business aiming to provide a community café."
Ms. Qallija assured the hearing that the café would not become a drinking destination, as alcohol would only be served with food. She explained that her family would manage the venue for community benefit, with the entrance positioned on the opposite side of the playground to create a barrier between customers and play area users.
"The premises will always be supervised by staff and cameras," she added. "All staff will receive mandatory training to serve customers appropriately and to refuse service where necessary."
Conditions and Future Plans
The licensing committee's report recommended providing a contact telephone number for the premises to facilitate communication between the applicant and residents, helping to alleviate concerns. The café now has permission to operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with alcohol service ending at 9 p.m.
Additionally, the café plans to introduce outside seating, though a separate application is required for this feature. This development marks a significant step for the family business, balancing community service with regulatory compliance in a sensitive residential setting.
