Councillor Linda Taylor was appointed Chairman of the meeting.

No declarations were made.

Councillor Linda Taylor opened the meeting and outlined the procedure to be followed.

All parties confirmed the accuracy of the papers circulated with regard to this application. 

All parties confirmed that no resolution or further conditions had been agreed following publication of the papers.

Applicant

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Graham Hopkins outlined the application.  He explained that SMAK is a Polish convenience store, and the applicant would like to sell only Polish and Eastern European beers, spirits and liqueurs.

Graham Hopkins outlined Ms Semyonova’s experience; she currently has a similar shop in Tolworth, and one in Sutton.  She previously had a shop on Upper Green East (Mitcham) from which she moved due to the need for larger premises.

Graham Hopkins advised that the application was amended, with the hours for sale of alcohol to be: 

09:00 to 22:00 (Monday to Saturday)

10:00 to 22:00 (Sunday).

Graham Hopkins stated that many of the representations received are speculative in nature, and reminded the Sub-Committee that they should consider whether there was proper evidence referring to the Thwaites case.  He advised that the applicant would like the entire premises to be licenced, but will agree to a condition that only 25% of the retail area shall be used to display alcohol at any time. 

Graham Hopkins referred the Sub-Committee to the proposed conditions contained within the applications, which he said were robust, relevant and will promote the licensing objectives.  He added that alcoholic drinks will be priced at a level to deter street drinkers, the prices will be kept under review and that there was no intention to sell British brands.

Graham Hopkins suggested that the Sub-Committee should attach no weight to the petition submitted as a Representation.  Turning to the representation submitted by Sgt Peter Sparham, he pointed out that the Police representation had made no comment on the applicant’s record in operating licensed premises.  He noted that of the list of crimes detailed, only 5 or 6 had any potential link with alcohol.  Furthermore, he said that it appears as though the problems are caused by a group of street drinkers who should be dealt with according to the law and were the responsibility of the Police and not the Applicant.  Graham Hopkins suggested that the Police had not made a strong enough case against the application.

With regard to the representation made by Councillor Geraldine Stanford, Graham Hopkins pointed out that her view is not substantiated by any evidence.   He stated that SMAK will not add to anti-social behaviour or litter. 

Turning to the representation from Sue Cooper, Graham Hopkins reiterated that the applicant operated responsibly and pointed out that there are off-licences and supermarkets nearby that could be contributing to the problematic street drinkers.

When invited to ask questions, Sue Cooper advised that every day she finds beer cans in her hedge, which are Eastern European brands.  She asked if that supports the view that street drinkers are only consuming British brands.  In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.