notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He then outlined the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

application to vary premises licence at morrisons, faversham under the licensing act 2003

The Chairman introduced the report which provided details of an application for variation of a Licence at Morrisons, Faversham to change hours of alcohol sales.

Mr Butt, the applicant's legal representative, presented the case on behalf of the applicant. He stated that they were simply seeking to extend the hours for sale of alcohol which would allow Morrisons greater flexibility over trading times. Mr Butt stated that they were seeking a small change in hours and considered the effect to local residents would be minimal, as the times were likely to be used occasionally.

Mr Butt explained that the five representations received contained within the report, related to permitted operating hours and planning issues. Mr Butt drew attention to DMS Guidance relating to sale of alcohol and noted that Kent Police raised no objection to the application. Mr Butt stated that since Morrisons had been operating at the site, anti-social behaviour within the car park area had decreased.

Mr Wright, a local resident, raised the following concerns: proposed times were inappropriate in a residential area; would have a detrimental impact on the area which had many listed buildings and problems with youths congregating outside the car park area causing a disturbance and he believed the area was within an alcohol free zone.

In response to queries from Members, Mr Wright advised he had lived in the area since 1997 and had not experienced problems with the previous owners of the site.

Mr Butt, stated there was no evidence to support claims that the proposed variation would increase anti-social behaviour. Mr Butt also stated that West Street was within an alcohol controlled zone but not within an alcohol free zone.

The Licensing Officer reported that a letter had been received from Morrison's accepting that the Licence was tied by existing Sunday Trading laws.

The Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:15 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 10:20 am to make their decision.