Greenwich (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Rupert & Teddy delicatessen and restaurant to open in Greenwich, on a community-focused vibe, despite controversy surrounding its alcohol licence application.
Located on Horseferry Road, Rupert & Teddy will provide home-cooked meals and artisan deli goods from Britain and Europe for takeout.
Rupert & Teddy, which is named after Laura Schinider’s two dogs and is being run by her partner James Lambert, is anticipated to open in the middle of April.
Creating a “pleasant riverside setting where locals and visitors can enjoy socializing and purchasing treats” is James Lambert’s stated goal.
At a Greenwich Council committee hearing on March 12, the company’s recent application for a license to serve alcohol on the premises was accepted under a set of conditions.
James explained:
“We are delighted that the committee has granted our license, despite some understandable objections from local councillors.
Our aim is to create a pleasant riverside setting where locals and visitors can enjoy socializing in our restaurant and purchasing treats from our delicatessen.
We are pleased the council agrees this will be a valuable addition to the Greenwich community.”
The company first sought for a license to serve alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., both on and off-site.
Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan expressed concerns via email to Greenwich Council before the meeting, stating that the location could be problematic because it is next to the basketball court next to Page House, which he characterized as a “well-known site for antisocial behaviour.”
Councillor Mulligan added:
“There is regularly anti-social public drinking on this part of the Thames Path as well.
I am therefore concerned that if the licensee is able to serve alcohol off premises that it may further contribute to crime and disorder in the area.”
The email continued by outlining suggestions to “mitigate” such dangers by restricting alcohol sales to after 12 p.m.
It was decided that the establishment would provide alcohol from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and that music would be available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Landlords L&Q also voiced concerns, objecting to the license application on the grounds that the sale of alcohol on the property would be a “nuisance” to tenants in the building’s upper floors.
New Business Manager, Development & Sales (Growth) of L&Q Tom Rigby said:
“We would object on the grounds of nuisance to our residents who live above the commercial property concerned.
We have already had concerns noted from some who have seen the notice.”
James, however, informed the council that he believed L&Q did not represent the homeowners and that just one resident had voiced concerns, which had now been withdrawn.
In a speech during the meeting, James explained:
“We have not had any complaints or objections to the licence from any residents that live upstairs.
There was one which has since been rescinded.”
Our request for a response from L&Q was not answered.
James also mentioned in the meeting that he didn’t think the company would lead to crime and disturbance because it would offer luxury goods rather than less expensive drinks from the store.
James said:
“It’s not the kind of place that’s going to attract people to come to buy alcohol to drink on the street outside the shop.
That’s not the kind of market that we’re going for.”
James further mentioned that this firm would be operated “responsibly” and that he was “well known” in the area for running pubs like The Crown.
The company committed to following the “Ask for Angela” initiative, and employees will get welfare training to aid any clients who might feel at risk.
The kind of packaging that alcohol will be sold in for takeout was another issue brought up by Councillor Majella Anning.
But according to James, the company had “no intention” of selling alcohol in open containers.
He added:
“We will be selling food to take away, but it’s aimed at the local people that live in the flats nearby to pick up their food on the way home from work.
It’s not to come and buy something to then go sit on a bench and eat.”
By a unanimous vote, it was decided to approve the proposal, subject to a few requirements.
It was also believed that the company would probably make the region better, and it was agreed that the company would follow the principles that were addressed at the conference.
The license was granted subject to 13 safety and security-related requirements, including the installation of a CCTV system and the requirement that a personal license holder be present at all times.
Other requirements included having certain procedures in place, such as a log book and refusal book, and giving staff members specialized training.
According to a recent post on Rupert & Teddy’s Instagram page, construction is already under progress at the location.
What are the main controversies surrounding the alcohol license for the new delicatessen?
If locals think the license will have a detrimental impact on the area’s amenities, like increased noise or disruption, they may object. When new businesses apply for alcohol licenses in residential neighborhoods, this is a regular worry.
Concerns regarding alcohol-related harm, like increased intoxication or antisocial behavior, may exist. If local authorities or residents feel that the license would exacerbate these problems, they may object.
If the delicatessen fails to sufficiently interact with the community or respond to issues brought up during the licensing process, it may come under fire. Opposition can be lessened by interacting with locals early on and attending to their concerns.
It is essential to make sure the establishment conforms with local zoning laws and regulations. If this isn’t done, there may be reaction from the community or licensing problems.