Hotel Chocolat Wins Licence to Serve Alcohol at New Richmond Store Despite Local Opposition

Luxury chocolatier Hotel Chocolat has been granted permission to sell alcohol at its newly opened Richmond boutique, despite facing objections from local residents concerned about potential disturbances. The store, located on George Street, opened its doors in December and will now be able to offer alcohol for takeaway and exclusive tasting events, following a decision by Richmond Council.

The licence allows the store to sell alcohol daily from 9am to 9pm, with plans for a series of intimate tasting sessions throughout the year. However, not everyone in the area welcomed the news. The Friends of Richmond Green, a local community group, opposed the plans, expressing concerns that alcohol sales could lead to unruly behaviour, particularly during Twickenham rugby matches. The shop falls within a Cumulative Impact Zone, an area subject to strict licensing rules designed to prevent public disorder and disturbances.

The group had proposed several restrictions, including a ban on weekend tastings, limiting event attendance to 20 people, and prohibiting anyone under 25 from attending. While Hotel Chocolat agreed to many of these terms, the final conditions were amended by council lawyers. Under the revised rules, under-18s can attend events if accompanied by an adult, and anyone who appears under 25 will need to show ID. The number of events will be capped at 20 per year, limited by the café’s seating capacity.

Speaking at the January council hearing, Peter Willan from Friends of Richmond Green expressed frustration at the changes but emphasised the group’s support for the store. “We want Hotel Chocolat to be successful. I think it really is important that we have a premises like Hotel Chocolat in Richmond in George Street,” he said.

Andrew McGrath, Hotel Chocolat’s licensing expert, assured the council that the alcohol sold would be in smaller bottles and weaker than those available in nearby shops. He also emphasised that tasting samples would be “tiny” and unlikely to cause any disruption. The tastings will be ticketed events, featuring welcome drinks, chocolate pairings (including boozy varieties), and demonstrations. Special offers will be available for attendees, but strict rules will prevent free alcohol samples on rugby match days and restrict window displays featuring alcohol.

Richmond Council supported the application, noting that Hotel Chocolat is an

“established and experienced operator”. Their report concluded that the conditions imposed would “ensure that the licensing objectives would not be undermined in this Cumulative Impact Zone.”

This decision comes as Hotel Chocolat embarks on significant expansion plans. Following its takeover by Mars last year, the company aims to open 25 new UK stores and two international branches, with a particular focus on growth in the US market.

As the boutique continues to establish itself in Richmond, locals will no doubt keep a close eye on how the alcohol licence is managed. Whether it enhances the area’s upmarket charm or causes the disruptions feared by some, remains to be seen.

Information on alcohol licensing and regulations in the area can be found at the Richmond Council Licensing Services page.

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