Minutes:
The Applicant’s Representative presented the Applicant’s case. He stated that the premises had not been previously licensed and that the premises was of modest proportion. He referred to the public area at the front of the premises which he considered to be a small area. He confirmed that this would be the only area that the public could access.
The Applicant’s Representative explained that it was proposed that spirits would be stored behind the counter and beers, cider etc. would be contained in a cabinet in the public area.
He informed those present that the premises was operating as a butchers shop, the shop smoked its’ own meat, sold raw meat and associated products. The operators would now like to sell alcohol to accompany the other products sold so that customers could take it home and enjoy it with their meal. He stated that it was not his clients anticipation to become a primarily alcohol outlet.
The Applicant’s Representative explained that the applicant had been running the shop full time for three years with her husband. He referred to the licensed hours applied for as included within the application.
The Applicant’s Representative felt that the London Road area was currently a mix of residential and commercial properties. There was no parking outside of the shop, however there was a layby on the opposite side of the road. He did not envisage that the availability of alcohol at the shop would have an impact on the footfall in the area as the expansion of services was designed for existing customers.
The Applicant’s Representative referred to the voluntary proposed conditions put forward by the Applicant and he commented that the Applicant would accept any additional conditions put forward by the Sub-Committee.
He reminded those present that the Council did not have a cumulative impact policy in place for the area and requested that the Sub-Committee have regard to the small size of the premises and the reasons why they had applied for a licence.
The Chairman thanked the Applicant’s Representative for presenting his case and invited questions from the Licensing Manager. In response to a question from the Licensing Manager, the Applicant’s Representative confirmed that the plans which had been submitted with the application were correct. In response to a further question from the Licensing Manager, the Applicant’s Representative confirmed that the applicant had submitted a duplicate application for a premises at 20 London Road, and if granted, it was anticipated that both premises would operate on the same basis.
The Chairman invited questions from the Other Persons Representative. In response to a question from Mrs Knights, the Applicant’s Representative confirmed that it would not be compulsory to purchase other products with alcohol. In response to a further question from Mrs Knights, the Applicant’s Representative explained that the applicant had applied for the maximum hours that she may wish to operate, however she did not have to keep the premises open for the maximum time.
In response to a question from the Chairman, the Applicant’s Representative confirmed that the shop was primarily a butchers shop, however it did sell accompaniments. In response to a further question from the Chairman, the Applicant’s Representative explained that the Applicant would ensure that all staff were trained and remained compliant. The Applicant would be the Designated Premises Supervisor.