Issue - meetings

The application:

The application as submitted sought a premises licence for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises during the hours of 08.00 to 23.00 Mondays to Sundays.

The case for the applicant:

The Committee was addressed by the applicant, Mr Thayaparan and by a Director of the company operating the premises. The application form detailed the steps the business would take to comply with the licensing objectives, including the installation of a CCTV system as required by the police. It was explained that Mr Thayaparan would be an employee of the company and would be the designated premises supervisor. The application form stated that the premises would be open from 07.00 hours to 23.00 hours. After some discussion at the hearing, the applicant asked that the licence permit the supply of alcohol from 07.00 hours until 23.00 hours.

The case for the objectors:

No person attended the hearing in objection to the application. The written representations referred to the residential nature of the area surrounding the premises and a potential for noise/anti-social behaviour to be generated by the supply of alcohol late at night. Concerns relating to parking issues were also raised.

Reasons for decision:

 Members considered the amended application, the written and oral representations, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and statutory guidance. They noted that the premises were in an established small parade of shops. Although Members noted the presence of nearby residential property, they did not consider the hours sought to be excessive. Were any problems to arise as to noise or anti-social behaviour, then residents could raise the concerns with the proprietors of the business and if necessary, seek a review from the Council. Members were satisfied that the application could be permitted without harm to the Licensing objectives.

They considered that practical difficulties in terms of compliance might result were the licence to specify a later time for alcohol sales to start than the opening hours. They therefore agreed to the request that the hours sought for the supply of alcohol be varied so as to permit sales from 07.00 hours.

Decision:

That the application for the grant of a premises licence at the Convenience First, 32 Chislehurst Road BR6 0DG be permitted subject to the steps specified in section 18 of the application.