Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration Service on an application for the grant of a Premise Licence in respect of an off-licence at 31 North Lane, Headingley.

(Report attached)

The Sub-Committee, having regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Section 182 Guidance and the Authority’s own Statement of Licensing Policy considered an application for the grant of a Premises Licence for premises at 31 North Lane, Headingley which was proposed to operate as a shop with an off-licence facility. Members noted the premises lay within Cumulative Impact Area Policy Area 2, although the CIP did not include off-licence premises.

Representations had been received from West Yorkshire Police WYP) which included measures proposed to address the licensing objectives. Those measures had been agreed, with amendment, by the applicant prior to the hearing and WYP had subsequently withdrawn the representation on the understanding the measures would be imposed on the Premises Licence, should it be granted.

Written representations had been received from several local residents, none of whom attended the hearing. The Sub Committee resolved to consider their written representations in their absence and to proceed with the hearing.

Mr J Coen made representation on behalf of the applicant. He was accompanied by Mr D King as an observer and Mr B Jewitt – the applicant. Mr Coen stated the application had been amended in order to close the premises at 23:00 hours. Mr Jewitt currently operated the shop, without alcohol sales, and his intention was to achieve 60% dry and 40% wet sales in the future. Mr Coen outlined the size and style of shop and reported there had been no problems associated with its operation since opening in February 2011. Mr Coen addressed the comments contained from local residents. He highlighted the fact that North Lane did not appear within WYP statistics for crime and disorder and that LCC Environmental Protection team had not made a representation based on public nuisance concerns.

Mr Jewitt acknowledged that he did not yet have a Personal Licence and confirmed he understood he could not act as Designated Premises Supervisor until that Personal Licence was confirmed. He also confirmed that he had spoken to some local residents.

The Sub Committee carefully considered all the written and verbal submissions and was satisfied that this applicant had engaged with the local community. This was reflected in the amendment made to the hours of operation. Members also noted there were no proposals to operate an alcohol delivery service from this premises. The Sub Committee also had regard to the agreements reached with WYP.

RESOLVED – To grant the application as requested

Conditions

• Those measures contained within Box P of the application form as proposed by the applicant were deemed necessary and proportionate to the grant of the licence and will be included within the Premises Licence as conditions
• Those measures proposed by WYP to address the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective and agreed by the applicant prior to the hearing were deemed necessary and proportionate to the grant of the licence and will be included within the Premises Licence as conditions

Members reminded the applicant that this Premises Licence could not be operated until a Designated Premises Supervisor was in place.