The Chair asked the committee to consider a new premises application.
The Licensing & Enforcement Officer Elaine Hignett presented the report and outlined the new premises application. The premise is described as a convenience store/off licence and the applicant is also the designated premises supervisor. The application is for sale of alcohol from 6 a.m. to midnight details of which were outlined on the agenda pack report. One objection to the application was received from the local resident, who was unable to be present.
The Committee had no questions to the Licensing & Enforcement Officer.
The Chair invited the Agent to the applicant, Mr Kanapathi to give evidence.
Mr Kanapathi confirmed that applicant has been resident in the area for a long time. The location of the store is in the residential area that has other stores and take-away outlets. Applicant's shop is a convenience store that stocks typical food items including fruit & veg and other similar items to meet the needs of the local residents. The agent referred to page 21 on the agenda pack and the proposed conditions by the applicant. He noted the objector's comments in relation to anti-social behaviour and noise, but confirmed that there is presently no evidence of such complaints and this is rather based on speculation. He further confirmed the applicant's intention to act responsibly in keeping the location and the front of the shop tidy and free from litter. He further confirmed that there are other late night establishments at the location.
The Chair referred to the proposed conditions and asked clarity on CCTV recordings and how long these are intended to be kept and if they would be made available to the relevant authorities. Mr Kanapathi confirmed that the CCTV recordings would be retained for 31 days and would be made available to authorities on request.
The Committee had no further questions to Mr Kanapathi.
Solicitor Salina Hoang-Curson asked applicant to clarify the following details on the proposed conditions on page 25.
Section a): Amend: 'Challenge 21 & 25' to 'Challenge 25' Add: 'that the log book made available to relevant authorities on request'
Section b): Add: 'CCTV would be retained for 31 days and made available to relevant authorities'. Amend: '21 & 25' to 'Challenge 25'.
Section e): Add: 'Challenge 25'; Clarify: 'Staff trained before they start work'. 'Restricted Product displayed areas highlighted on the floor plan' and 'Log book made accessible both in hard copy and electronic copy'.
The Chair asked clarity on how many members of staff are intended to work in the store and how often would the applicant Mr Krishnapillai be present. Mr Kanapathi clarified this to be three people and that Mr Krishnapillai would be in attendance minimum five days a week.
The Chair invited the applicant Mr Krishnapillai to speak. He asked the Committee to note that he is very experienced in managing stores including those with off license and has done so for more than ten years.
The Committee had no further questions to Mr Krishnapillai.
Mr Kanapathi wanted to re-assure that the applicant is responsible and committed to the conditions outlined on the report and thanked the Committee for the considerations.
The Members retired to consider their decision in private at 10.20 a.m.
The Committee resumed to give their decision in public at 10.30 a.m.
The Chair confirmed that following the Committee considerations, the License has been granted as per application and no conditions have been added. He confirmed that the Committee had considered the objection made but there was no evidence provided that would justify a refusal. The Committee was satisfied that relevant amendments to clarify the conditions had been made during the meeting and that having considered the statutory guidance and the licensing objectives, there is no justification for refusing this license.
RESOLVED:-
That the application for a new premises license be granted as per conditions stated and clarified in the meeting.