Late night corporate parties will soon be held at Kingston’s Guildhall after councillors granted an application to sell an alcohol at the venue – despite claims it contradicts its own policy.

Engie Services appeared before Kingston Council last week with an application to sell alcohol, provide entertainment and play music at the Guildhall for wedding receptions and corporate events between 8am and midnight, seven days a week.

The company hopes to rake in £500,000 over the next seven years by renting out the Queen Anne Suite and council chamber. The authority noted during last week’s meeting that such an application in the town centre would normally run up against its ‘rebuttal presumption’ of refusal.

Friday, September 2: Boozy bid to rent out Kingston's council chamber for parties—but does it fit the authority's own licensing policy?

A decision report said: “The licensing sub-committee took into account concerns about the potential for noise nuisance and disturbance and the cumulative impact caused to adjacent residents.

“However, the licensing sub-committee noted that the applicant was agreeable to the conditions, which would minimise noise levels and nuisance.

“The licensing sub-committee was satisfied by the reassurances given by the applicant with regards to the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder.”

Paul Kinsey, who owns Kingston’s Viper Rooms, said: “It is important that the council is and seen to be consistent in its applications.

“[The application] does seem rather contradictory compared to the ways other establishments have been treated.”

The Stable, an upmarket pizza chain with its sights set on Market House, was told last month it could not sell alcohol until midnight because it was likely to cause disruption.

The council did impose a number of restrictions, including that no drinks be consumed outside the building and that revellers must “respect the needs of local residents to leave the premises and the area quietly”.

A CCTV system outside the entrance will also be installed and an incident record kept by trading standards.

Security will also be on patrol during all functions.