Agenda item

Decision

The Licensing sub-committee in considering this decision from the information presented to it within the report and at the hearing today has determined that having regard to the promotion of all the licensing objectives:

?  The prevention of crime and disorder;

?  Public safety;

?  Prevention of public nuisance;

?  The protection of children from harm;

the application for a premises licence has been approved in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy, and the proposed conditions set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report, with the following amendment:

?  The area for licensable activity is limited to the Ground Floor of the premises only.

?  Alcohol off-sales shall cease at 23:00 hours every day.

Reasons for the decision

The application has been approved, with the above amendment, as the Licensing sub-committee was satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined.

The sub-committee took into consideration that the Environmental Enforcement and the Licensing Authority had withdrawn their representations, and agreed conditions with the applicant. The Metropolitan Police Service still maintained their objection to the application due to street drinkers in the area and the impact this will have on an already saturated area. The Metropolitan Police Service had received complaints from local residents about the street drinkers in the area. 

The applicant’s representative, stated in their representations, that the applicant is a responsible operator who lives in and is familiar with the area, and he has experience of dealing with street drinkers and dealing with customers. It was noted that the applicant held a SIA badge for a number of years. The applicant stated that they intend to run a convenience store, not an off licence. The applicant would like to invest in and improve the area. 

The applicant's representative also drew attention to the number of existing licensed premises in the area, and argued that it would be unfair to penalise this new business for any impact they may be contributing to.

The sub-committee having considered the representations from the applicant and the Metropolitan Police Service felt that the premises would not unduly add to the cumulative impact of the area. The sub-committee was satisfied that the conditions would mitigate any negative impact which the application would have on the area.

The premises are not located in a Special Policy Area. The applicant agreed that the licensable area is limited to the Ground Floor only and will not include the basement.

The applicant had agreed to specific conditions ruling out the sale of high strength beers, lagers and ciders, and of spirit miniatures.

Having taken all of the above factors into consideration the Licensing sub-committee was satisfied, when granting the application, that the licensing objectives would be promoted. 

 Planning Informative

The applicant is reminded of the need to operate the premises according to any current planning permission relating to its use class, conditions and hours.

It also should be noted for the public record that the local planning authority should draw no inference or be bound by this decision with regard to any future planning application which may be made.