notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He explained that the Sub-Committee would consider an application for a new premises licence for News Plus, St John's Avenue, Sittingbourne, and detailed the procedure that would be followed.

part b minute for information

application for new premises licence under the licensing act 2003 – news plus, st john's avenue, sittingbourne

Mr Honey, the Applicant, presented his case. He highlighted that he had owned the business since 1992, and that he had initially been reluctant to expand the premises, but a number of customers had suggested that he might do so. He explained that the premises had expanded to include an in-store bakery, the sale of fruit and other groceries. The premises in St John's Avenue was one of three businesses managed by Mr Honey, and all of his staff were made aware of age related sale laws, e.g. cigarettes, national lottery tickets, etc. He stated that younger people were always asked for ID when making restricted purchases and that without the correct ID, no sale would be made. He explained that he had previously worked as a store manager for Tesco for 20 years, and had been a licensee in that capacity. He highlighted the good working relationships he enjoyed with the Headmaster of the local school and the Community Police Officer in the area. He concluded by stating that with the investments he had made in the shop, he would be most careful to observe the conditions of any licence, as he did not wish to incur wasted expense.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Honey highlighted the use of CCTV cameras inside and outside the shop; that a litter bin was situated by the front door and staff swept the area daily. The usual closing time for the shop would be 7.30 p.m. In response to questions from the Objector, Mr Honey reiterated that staff did not and would not sell products to under-age people and that if no ID was available, no sale would be made. In response to a further question from the Objector, Mr Honey stated that he had never experienced the problem of adults buying cigarettes for children, and therefore thought it unlikely that this would happen in the case of alcohol. If such an occasion happened, this was an offence and he would report the incident to the local school and to the Police.

An Objector, Mr Fitch presented the case for the Objectors. Local residents were concerned for the safety of children and the local environment. Mr Fitch stated that a situation existed concerning groups of anti-social youngsters congregating outside of the shops, and suggested that if the licence was granted, these problems would increase.

The Chairman reminded those present that the congregation of groups of people was not necessarily a public nuisance. Mr Honey stated that if he was aware of a public nuisance associated with his premises, he would immediately contact the police to discuss the matter. In response to a question from the Chairman, Mr Honey advised that one member of his staff was 17 years old, and was aware that he would not be able to sell alcohol, but that all remaining staff were over the age of 21. In response to concerns from a Member with reference to shoplifting of alcohol, Mr Honey responded that spirits would be kept behind the counter of the shop, and all other alcoholic beverages would be situated at the back of the store. This would make shoplifting difficult as any potential shoplifter would have to walk from one end of the shop to the other, and could be observed at all times.

The Chairman then invited local residents to make comments.

The Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 2.47 p.m. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and the Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 3.05 p.m. when the Sub-Committee reconvened. The Chairman reminded those present of the implications of Sections 51 to 53 of the Act.