Agenda item

The report details an application from Qasim Ellahi for a premises licence to be granted to include the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises, from Monday to Sunday.  

The Sub-Committee is recommended to consider the application for a premises licence at Spiceland.

Officer contact: Sarah Tooth on 474 4176 or email: sarah.tooth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Sub-Committee to consider an application from Craig Gee & Co Solicitors on behalf of Qasim Ellahi for a new premises licence for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises at Spiceland, 67A Wellington Road South, Stockport.

The applicant and his representative attended the meeting and answered Councillors’ questions in relation to the application together with a representative of Greater Manchester Police who attended the meeting to explain their objections to the proposals and answer Councillors’ questions in relation to the application.

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 of Media, Culture 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 raised in respect of this licensing objective, namely that there had been numerous evidenced incidents of anti-social behaviour associated with the consumption of alcohol within the immediate vicinity of the premises.  The Sub-Committee also noted the concern relating to the position of the premises being located on a busy thoroughfare and adjacent to a popular bus stop in the town centre.  The Sub-Committee considered that in the light of this evidence there was a significant and real risk of the existing problems being exacerbated.  The Sub-Committee noted with approval the content of the applicant’s operating schedule with regard to this licensing objective, but determined that in order to properly address this licensing objective, it would be necessary to reduce the proposed hours for the consumption of alcohol off the premises as follows:-

16:00 to 20:00 hours, Monday to Sunday.

(ii)        Protection of Children from Harm

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 relevant representations had been raised in respect of this licensing objective, namely that there were technical limitations with regard to the proposed CCTV system and that there were concerns in relation to the training in staff to produce images from the CCTV system following an incident at another licensed premises operated by the applicant.  The Sub-Committee was of the view that in order to satisfactorily address this licensing objective it would be necessary to impose the following additional conditions:-

·         That a CCTV security system be installed at the premises to a specification agreed with Greater Manchester Police in advance of the opening of the premises.

·         That any person left in charge of the premises must be trained in the use of any such equipment and must be able to produce CCTV images upon request.

(iv)       Public Nuisance

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that relevant representations had been raised in respect of this licensing objective.  However, the Sub-Committee noted with approval the content of the applicant’s operating schedule and determined that no further conditions were necessary in order to address this licensing objective.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the hours for the supply of alcohol off the premises be approved from 16:00 to 20:00 hours, Monday to Sunday.

(2) That there is a strict proof of ID policy in place and all sales are monitored for compliance with the law.

(3) That signs supporting Civil Recovery Schemes, support of Anti-Social Behaviour and drink driving initiatives will be prominently displayed.

(4) That no one other than bona fide members of staff will be permitted to remain in the premises.

(5) That full co-operation with the local Police will be implemented. There will be immediate reporting of any illegal activities to the Police.

(6) That no alcohol will be served unless in sealed containers.

(7) That the sales floor of the premises will be kept tidy and free from obstructions.

(8) That the premises will be well lit and the entrance well sign posted so as to avoid any potential accident.

(9) That a regular fire risk assessments be carried out.

(10) That crowds will be dispersed should they form inside or outside the shop.

(11) That no deliveries will be permitted after 22:00 hours.

(12) That there will be no occasion when large groups will be permitted into the shop at any one time.

(13) That no person will be permitted to linger after they have been served.

(14) That waste bins be provided to ensure the tidiness of the area.

(15) That any person appearing to be below the statutory age for the purchase of alcohol, tobacco and similar prescribed products will be asked for identification and asked to prove their age.

(16) That the shop's voluntary involvement of the Photo ID scheme will be displayed.

(17) That a notice be displayed, informing adults that the Police will be informed if they purchase alcohol for / on behalf of children.

(18) That adults found to be purchasing alcohol for children will be barred from the premises.

(19) That once asked for ID, a register will be kept of all names and addresses of those providing the same.

(20) That a CCTV security system be installed at the premises to a specification agreed with Greater Manchester Police in advance of the opening of the premises.

(21) That any person left in charge of the premises must be trained in the use of any such equipment and must be able to produce CCTV images upon request.