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

review of premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - lakeside news, kemsley

PC Barnes reported that Lakeside News was the only shop in a large residential area and he outlined the circumstances that led to the review of the Premises Licence. There had been an incident early in the year of proxy sale of alcohol. This had been followed by the sale of alcohol to three under age youths; the owner of the shop had not challenged the youths.

PC Barnes outlined the conditions that the Police recommended to be imposed on the premises. These included the provision of CCTV, and signage to show there was CCTV, as a deterrent; the training of staff to ensure they were aware of their responsibilities; Challenge 25 to be implemented; a refusal book to be introduced and a three day suspension on the sale of alcohol. PC Barnes considered the proposed measures could be beneficial to both the owner of the premises and to the Police if the premises needed to be monitored in the future.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:42 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 10:47 am, when the Sub-Committee re-convened.

application for a new premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - 18/20 burntwick drive, lower halstow

Mr Mitchener, the Agent outlined the application which was for the sale of alcohol, Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 21:30. He provided a history of the premises which, following a period of closure, had recently started trading again as a convenience store. Mr Mitchener explained that there had been no representations from any responsible authorities, although the Police had added some conditions to the application.

Mr Mitchener summarised objections to the application that had been received and responded to issues that had been raised. He added that if potential problems had been identified, the Police would have commented further. He suggested that Mr Kumar's plans would help to regenerate the area and he was aware of his social responsibilities. Mr Mitchener reported that the applicant had agreed to the conditions that the Police had recommended.

Mr Giles, an objector, raised concern with regard to increased parking problems, access for emergency services, underage drinking and anti-social behaviour. In response to questions, Mr Mitchener advised that it was only possible to take measures when issues were made aware of and he reported that proxy sales were a criminal offence. He suggested that additional parking for visiting the store would be for short stay visits.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 11:17 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 11:24 am, when the Sub-Committee re-convened.