Cllr David Simpson was appointed chair

No Declarations of Interest were made

The Sub-Committee noted that this item was postponed until 7 January 2015

Parties agreed notification and papers correct

Sgt Sparham gave background to the reasons for the review which was brought about following a failed test purchase.

The area has experienced a significant increase in anti-social behaviour, with complaints from local residents.  This lead Sgt Sparham to visit local ‘off licence’ premises.

Bineet Stationers had a police visit on 14th August 2014, a joint visit with Licensing on 17th September 2014 and the failed test purchase on 20th September 2014.  On the last visit, a street drinker was observed being served with a can of alcohol.

Sgt Sparham expressed concern that the management at the premises do not take heed of advice and recommended seven conditions.

Amy Potter supported the Police representation, and confirmed that the area was associated with street drinking.  Amy Potter stated that the premises sold high strength alcohol and that data shows there is crime and disorder across this postcode.

Mr Alan Aylott gave information about the length of time Mrs Patel had been at the shop premises, how the licence was granted in 2007 and that everything had been correct up to the failed test purchase.

Discussion ensued regarding the crime statistics from the Police website.  Mr Alan Aylott confirmed that the conditions were acceptable, apart from numbers 3 and 4 which he felt were not relevant to the review.

Mr Alan Aylott informed those present that Sonny Patel lives at the premises and was in the shop on the day of the failed test purchase and was able to work the electronic purchase system.  Mr Aylott suggested that the system could be switched off in future, and the door locked, when the authorised sales person was not in the retail area of the premises.

Mr Aylott expressed concern that any conditions imposed should be proportionate and appropriate and referred to the Licensing Act 2003 guidance.  Mr Aylott also expressed concern that as all nearby off licences sell high percentage alcohol it would be a burden for Mrs Patel to not be able to do likewise. 

In response to a question from a panel member, Mrs Patel confirmed she is in the shop for around 5 or 6 hours a day, and that her husband covers the other hours.  It was also noted that neither Mr or Mrs Patel had been on the premises for any of the three visits.  Mrs Patel also confirmed they had just engaged the services of Mr Aylott and that training was going to take place every six months.

After going into closed session, the licensing advisor informed the hearing that the advice given was related to the Bassetlaw v Worksop case. The chair gave the decision and reasons as follows:

Decision:

The Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the premises licence for the premises, Bineet Stationers, following service of a Review by the Metropolitan Police.

The Licensing Sub-Committee determined that there should be a one week suspension of the Premises Licence. 

The Licensing Sub-Committee determined that the Premises Licence shall continue in force and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Sub-Committee considered the application for a personal licence by J B Read and determined that this should be granted.