The Agenda paperwork and statutory notices were agreed as satisfactory and compliant.  The Parties had not reached a resolution prior to hearing.

Applicant made his application, detailing hours of opening and steps to be taken to ensure compliance with the licensing objectives (as set out on page 27 of the agenda pack).

Questions were raised and a discussion took place about the reasoning behind  the opening hours starting so early, how many staff would be involved and concerns regarding noise from the shutters, litter in front of the shop and in the alleyway.  The applicant stated that night shift workers liked to be able to buy alcohol early to have a drink before going to bed sometimes after breakfast, and that elderly customers would like to buy alcohol with their morning paper to save a second journey.  The applicant offered to place a bin at the front of the shop and to clean up the frontage regularly and to use quieter possibly, electric operated shutters.

Sgt Sparham provided the Metropolitan Police objection to the Application, explaining that the hours were over and above the  appropriate opening hours in this small parade of shops, and that the later closing time would result in discord in the parade of shops or with residents.  The premises were on a main road near residential houses.  The Police submitted that the applicant had failed to address the issue of crime and disorder, and suggested that the Committee impose a number of conditions.  Principle Police concerns were that the premises were untested, there were particular concerns regarding anti-social behaviour,  that no single cans should be sold nor alcohol above 5.5% ABV, that  hazardous drinking should be discouraged. 

In response to Committee members’ questions, Sgt Sparham said there had been 60 incidents recorded in the postcode area over the last year, when he looked atthe papers at the time of issue of the application. Sgt Sparham also confirmed that there had only been one incident reported in this parade of shops over the last year..   In response to the Legal Advisor’s question, Sgt Sparham said there had been no street drinking reported in the parade of shops.

The Licensing Officer reminded the panel of the difference between shop opening hours and licensable activity hours, and that they needed specifying separately.

The hearing went into closed session 11am. At 11.25 the panel returned to give their decision. The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the application, reducing the hours for the licensable activity of retail sale of alcohol (9am and 10pm only), permitting opening hours of 5.30am – 00.00am, subject to the seven Metropolitan Police conditions and a condition on litter control.

The Licensing Sub-Committee also imposed two recommendations:

·           That the applicant co-ordinate with shop keepers in the parade to keep the parade and alleyway clear of litter, which would generate goodwill in the local community.

·           That ‘quiet’ electric or manual shutters be installed that do not disturb local residents.

The Legal Advisor gave advice to the panel in closed session on making sure their decision was appropriate and proportionate.

The Licensing Sub-Committee ended at 11.30am.