The off-license sits within the Mitcham Cumulative Impact Zone, an area that is plagued by street drinking and anti-social behaviour
A mobile repair shop in Mitcham has changed its plan to operate as an off licence after the police objected, instead suggesting the business will be converted into a ‘high end artisanal deli’ with alcohol sold as well.
Metropolitan Police officers fear the move to allow alcohol sales at what is currently operating as a shop selling stationery, household goods and doing mobile repairs, will encourage street drinking in an area already plagued with antisocial behaviour.
Vijaykumar Patel, the owner of the business at 256 London Road, has named his store VJ’s Off Licence in the application despite not having an alcohol licence at present. He wants to sell alcohol daily from 9am to 10.30pm, which are also the store’s opening hours.
Mr Patel initially applied for the business’s first alcohol licence in January 2026. A month later, Mr Patel changed course and applied for the shop to become a “boutique artisanal deli”. This would see him sell alcohol alongside fresh flowers, and specialist cheeses.
However, in public correspondences with Mr Patel, PC Avril O’Brien expressed scepticism over this sudden shift. On February 16, she said: “My opinion is that only since I have highlighted the licensing policy around the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) exceptions you have now adjusted your business to fit.”
She later added that she was “still confused” about his true model.
Mr Patel defended the application, insisting the shift to a deli was not deceptive, but rather a direct, constructive response to the police’s initial concerns.
VJ’s Off Licence sits firmly inside the Mitcham CIZ — an area plagued by alcohol-related disorder. Under the Licensing Act 2003, these zones come with a presumption that new or varied licensing applications will be refused if they are considered to add to existing public nuisance, crime or disorder.
The Met’s licensing officers submitted strong objections, citing daily disturbances in central Mitcham and a further drain on local resources. Sergeant Matt Bower noted that “at almost any time of day, if you visit Mitcham, you will see groups sitting around Mitcham Fair Green consuming alcohol”.
Sgt Bower noted that Operation Martello – their current antisocial behaviour clamp down in Mitcham – costs £28,000 annually and requires 25 police hours a week just to manage issues like public urination, fighting, and littering in the town centre.
He also raised a safeguarding concern over the premises’ close proximity to a local food bank, which is regularly attended by vulnerable members of the community.
He warned that “granting this licence would contribute to further alcohol-related disorder, increased incidents of antisocial behaviour and hinder the progress police have made”.
Addressing street drinking concerns, he proposed a ban on selling single cans, miniature spirits, and any beer or cider over 7.5% ABV. “A person seeking a cheap bottle of cider is unlikely to walk into a deli selling artisanal bread and specialist cheese to find it,” Mr Patel argued in his written response.
He added: “My intention is to operate a well-managed, responsible premises that contributes positively to the area. I have no desire to add to the problems in Mitcham Town Centre.”
However, PC O’Brien rejected this, arguing that restricting high-strength beers is rarely effective, as “individuals intent on obtaining alcohol will typically purchase any alcoholic product available”.
Mr Patel, who has worked in Mitcham since 1985, also said his licensing agent made three documented attempts (in November 2025, December 2025, and January 2026) to consult with the police prior to submitting the application, but he claims all went unanswered. He expressed disappointment that the police chose to submit an outright objection rather that using the statutory consultation period to discuss potential modifications to his application.
However, PC O’Brien said that while the local licensing authority offers a pre-application service, the police do not participate in it because it is a paid service. She said officers would instead engage during the statutory 28-day consultation period.
The application will be decided by Merton Council at a virtual Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on March 11.
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