Agenda item

An application has been made for a new premises licence for Asda Express for the sale of alcohol, off the premises and late night refreshment, indoors and outdoors.  The application has been out to public consultation and has attracted relevant representations.  A Licensing Sub Committee must consider the application and representations at a public hearing.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report to consider a new premises application for Asda Express. For the supply of alcohol off the premises Monday to Sunday from 6 AM to midnight. From 1^st to the 31^{st of} December 24 hours, Monday to Sunday if permitted by trading restrictions. Late night refreshment indoor and outdoor, hot beverages only, Monday to Sunday 23.00 to 24.00 hours and on 1^st to the 31^st December 23.00 to 05.00 Monday to Sunday if permitted by trading restrictions.

The Solicitor addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant. He covered the background of Asda adding that there were 600 stores in England and Wales, the premises was a convenience store, the company had substantial experience operating these stores, and would not be subject to Sunday trading legislation. A range of control measures would be implemented to promote the licensing objectives such as, CCTV, annual staff training, staff trained in conflict management and challenge 25 policy. Planning permission had already been granted for the store and opening times were between 6 am and 11 pm. The extended hours applied for would enable some flexibility but without an amendment to the planning permission they would not be able to take advantage of all the hours sought in the licensing application. Therefore, he added that the applicant would accept hours between 6 am and 11 pm.

The Solicitor covered issues raised by objectors such as, traffic, noise, parking, issues with other shops and added that these were all matters that could not be taken into account for licensing purposes. There was no evidence that anti-social behaviour or noise would occur as a result of the store selling alcohol and staff would ensure that people did not drink alcohol outside the premises and CCTV would be installed throughout the entire store.

Mr Austin raised concerns about anti-social behaviour as the area was mainly residential, and the local residents would be impacted by the midnight closing time and 24 hours opening in December. He requested that the sub-committee limit the hours to 6 am to 10 pm.

All parties were given the opportunity to have their say and sum up their case.