The Committee and Scrutiny Support Officer confirmed that the Sub Committee would comprise Councillors Derbyshire, Lynch and Meerabux.

The Sub-Committee was asked to elect a Chair for the Hearing.

RESOLVED –

that Councillor Derbyshire be elected Chair for this Hearing.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The Licensing Sub-Committee is asked to consider an application for the above premises following the receipt of representations.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Head of Community and Customer Services setting out details of a new application submitted by Tesco Stores Ltd and details of representations received.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report.   She explained that an application had been received for the sale of alcohol between the hours of 6.00 a.m. until 11.00 p.m., from Monday to Sunday inclusive, for consumption off the premises.  She added that the store would open during the same hours.  

The Licensing Officer informed the hearing that 28 valid representations had been received which included two in support of the application.  Two representations had subsequently been withdrawn.  Interested parties’ objections had concentrated on public nuisance, harm to children and public safety. 

The Licensing Officer said that the Application had been amended and that the hours now requested for the sale of alcohol were 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

The Chair drew attention to the table at point 3.5 on page 3 of the report and confirmed to attendees that the Hearing would now consider the amended hours instead of the hours requested on the original application.

In reply to a query from Councillor Watkin regarding sales of high strength alcohol, the Chair advised that this point had been covered under point 9.3 of the Officer’s report.

Mr Bark added that this could be included in the conditions and further noted the list of conditions on page 76 of the report, specifically no. 6, which addressed the strength of beers, cider and lager in bottles or cans.  

The Licensing Manager said that if conditions imposed on any licence which may be approved by the Committee were to be breached, this would be an offence which could lead to review or prosecution. 

The Chair invited Ms Christine Massey to address the Hearing.

Ms Massey referred to her representation and advised that her objections were based on concerns regarding public nuisance and crime and disorder.  She considered that the store would attract those who had been drinking all night, people who lived on the streets, those with a drinking problem or people who had been ejected from bars and public houses.  Further purchase of alcohol would lead to anti-social behaviour and consequent problems associated with heavy drinking.  These could include: aggression towards residents, in-group fighting, vandalism and behaviour frightening to children.   

Ms Massey also enumerated further concerns regarding litter, including broken glass, possible detritus connected with drug taking and noise pollution.  She added she had further worries resulting from reports of an increase in drinking among older people. 

The Chair noted her written representation at Appendix 4N and asked whether she would be satisfied with the proposed amended licensing hours of 7.00 a.m. until 10.00 p.m. 

Ms Massey replied that 7.00 a.m. was still too early to open and that alcohol should not be on sale until after children had all gone to school and that there should be shorter hours on Sundays. 

In reply to a question from Councillor Meerabux regarding the area  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.