The Licensing Officer introduced the report which asked Members to consider an application for the grant of a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the Co-op, Stones Farm, Units A & B, Blossom Street, Bapchild, Sittingbourne, ME10 4GA.

The Licensing Officer reported that the postal address on the application form, set out at Appendix I of the report, was incorrect and explained this was because the premises was on a new build estate and postal addresses had not been issued at the time the applicants completed the form.  The applicant’s solicitor had confirmed that the address of the premises was as stated above.  The Licensing team were satisfied that the public had been adequately informed and given the opportunity to make representations.

The Licensing Officer introduced the application as set out in the report and highlighted below:

·         Sale of alcohol by retail – off the premises and opening hours Monday – Sunday between the hours of 06.00 – 23:00.

The Licensing Officer reported that following the statutory 28-day consultation no responsible authorities had made representations.  She further reported that one objection from a local resident had been received, as set out at Appendix III of the report, on the basis of two of the licensing objectives:  the prevention of crime and disorder; and prevention of public nuisance.  The applicant’s response to the objection was set out in Appendices IV, V, and VI of the report.

The Chair invited the applicant’s representative to present their case.

The applicant’s representative said the Co-op had 180 years’ experience in retail and understood their responsibilities.  They had created policies and procedures which the Risk Manager for the premises would ensure were implemented.  He explained that all staff had to pass an examination to work at any of their premises, and referred to a process called “lockdown”, which meant staff were not able to use the till until senior staff were confident they would apply the rules in respect of age restricted products.  The proposed CCTV was sophisticated, and 12 members of staff would be employed at the premises with three or four personal licence holders.  He added that the Police had requested minor alterations to the conditions proposed which they had agreed.

The applicant’s representative referred to the objections raised by the local resident, and said that it was speculative to say that approving the application would increase anti-social behaviour and in respect of parking concerns there was a car park nearby and it was expected that most customers would walk to the premises.

The Chair invited Members to ask questions.

At this point the Chair welcomed the applicant’s Operations Manager to the meeting.

In response to a question from a Member, the applicant’s Operations Manager explained that they tried to ensure all staff were 18 years and over and any staff under 18 years would be subject to the lock down rule.

The Chair invited the applicant’s representatives to summarise their closing remarks.

Members of the Sub-Committee adjourned at 10.22 am to make their decision.  Members of the Sub-Committee, the Lawyer (Contentious) and the Democratic Services Officer returned to the meeting at 10.33 am and the decision was announced.

Resolved:

(1)   That the Application be granted subject to the conditions as set out in the Committee report.