Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 July 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 July 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers are invited to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations were made.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of agenda item 5 (Licensing Act 2003: Application for a New Premises Licence at GT News Stockport,  22-26 Woodley Precinct, Woodley) as appendices to the report contain information ‘not for publication’ in accordance with Section 14(2) of The Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005 and where the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED – That notwithstanding the submission of information as part of Agenda Item 5 - ‘Licensing Act 2003: Application for a New Premises Licence at GT News Stockport,  22-26 Woodley Precinct, Woodley’ which had been classified as ‘Not for Publication’ by virtue of it containing material which related to an individual, the Sub-Committee was satisfied that unless it was necessary for this information to be heard openly during the proceedings of the hearing, the public not be excluded from the meeting.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and members of the Sub-Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Sub-Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice. (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided.  These are available at the meeting).

No public questions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details an application received from James Convenience Retail Limited for a new Premises Licence for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises at GT News Stockport, 22-26 Woodley Precinct, Woodley.

The Sub-Committee is recommended to consider the application for a new premises licence at GT News Stockport.

Officer contact: Marina Ganotis on 0161 474 4296 or email: marina.ganotis@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Sub-Committee to consider an application from James Convenience Retail Limited for a new Premises Licence for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises at GT News Stockport, 22-26 Woodley Precinct, Woodley.

The applicants and their representative attended the meeting and answered Councillors’ questions in relation to the application together. Three objectors, having previously submitted written representations in relation to this application, also attended the meeting, explained their objections to the proposals and answered Councillors’ questions in relation to the application.

There were no objections made by any responsible authority.

The Sub-Committee having heard all interested parties proceeded to consider the licensing objectives in respect of the application, together with the relevant parts of the Council’s licensing policy and the guidance from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.  However, the decision was reached on consideration of all the arguments given in relation to this specific application.

The Sub-Committee found the following:-

(i)         Crime and Disorder

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that relevant representations had been received in respect of the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective; namely on the basis that the premises and other businesses within Woodley Precinct had been the subject of robberies and burglaries and there was a concern that the sale of alcohol from these premises would significantly increase the risk of crime.  The Sub-Committee further noted that a representation had been submitted relating to anti-social behaviour in the precinct. 

However the Sub-Committee noted with approval the content of the applicant’s operating schedule in respect of the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective and in particular that which related to the imposition of a Challenge 25 Scheme and the maintenance of comprehensive CCTV.  The Sub-Committee also noted with approval the clarification provided on behalf of the applicant that the refusal book would also be used to record any incidents that occurred on and around the premises.  The Sub-Committee therefore determined that no further conditions were necessary in order to address this licensing objective.

(ii)        Protection of Children

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that no relevant representations had been raised in respect of this licensing objective.

(iii)       Public Safety

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that no relevant representations had been raised in respect of this licensing objective.

(iv)       Public Nuisance

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that no relevant representations had been raised in respect of this licensing objective.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the hours for the supply of alcohol by retail sale for consumption off the premises be approved from 06:00 to 23:00 hours, Monday to Sunday.

(2) That it be noted that the stated, standard opening hours of the premises are from 06:00 to 23:00 hours, Monday to Sunday.

(3) That staff involved in the sale of alcohol will receive training on matters concerning underage sales and operating procedures.

(4) That the premises operate an approved proof of age scheme and will require photographic identification from any person who appears to be under the age of 25 years.

(5) That a refusals book (or equivalent) be maintained at the premises and will be made available to the police and licensing authority upon request.

(6) That the management of the premises liaise with the police on issues of local concern or disorder.

(7) That a suitable CCTV system is to be installed and will be maintained at the premise and recordings made by the system shall be retained for 30 days and be made available to the police upon receipt of reasonable notice.

(8) That any gathering of youths will be asked to move on.

(9) That drinking shall not be permitted in or in the immediate proximity to the store.

(10) That the external area be monitored.