Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made in relation to items on the agenda.

The Licensing (Hearing) Sub-Committee (“the Sub-Committee”) is being asked to determine an application for a premises licence made under the Licensing Act 2003 sections 17 and 18.

The Licensing (Hearing) Sub-Committee (“the Sub-Committee”) was requested to determine an application for a premises licence made under the Licensing Act 2003, sections 17 and 18.

No objections were received from relevant authorities.

Verbal representations were received by the Sub-Committee from the Applicant and his Representative, and 2 Objectors (local residents).

The Applicant and his Representative responded to the questions from the Sub-Committee and the following was confirmed:

a)            The Applicant confirmed that he had verbally engaged with local residents. He stated that he had received positive responses from local residents with regard to the news of a convenience store opening near to them. 

b)            The Applicant confirmed that the store will be a small family-run business and either he (the Applicant) or a family member (as a designated person of authority) will always be present and responsible for the store during opening hours.

c)            The Applicant confirmed that he would accept a reduction to hours in the morning in relation to the sale of alcohol.

d)            The Applicant confirmed he would be willing to cover the alcohol prior to start of sale.

The Objectors responded to the questions from the Sub-Committee and confirmed the following:

a)            Objector, Greg Walker, confirmed that he objected to the sale of alcohol at the store and took issue with the store providing a means to purchase alcohol conveniently and quickly, stating it would offer an undesirable encouragement for local residents.

b)            Objector, Katy Walker, confirmed that she believed alcohol should not be sold or visible prior to 10:00 in order to prevent its exposure to children visiting the store on their morning journey to school. She stated that she believed 10:00 to 22:00 to be an acceptable timeframe for the sale of alcohol at the store.

The Chair confirmed that he had read every representation found in the report and that the questioning of the Applicant and Objectors had been concluded.

The Sub-Committee retired with their legal representative to consider the application further. The meeting then reconvened in public. The Chair announced the decision of the Sub-Committee which is detailed below.

Following consideration of the material presented in the agenda, the written and verbal representations made, and having had regard to the Statutory Guidance and the Licensing Policy of the Council, the Sub-Committee resolved to:

Grant the Application (subject to relevant mandatory conditions and modified with the conditions set out below) for a Premises Licence.

Conditions:

(1)          Sale of alcohol between 10:00 to 22:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 22:00 weekends and public holidays.