Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory which sets out details of an application for the grant of a premises licence for No Problem Convenience Store 41 Armley Ridge Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 3LD.

(Report attached)

The Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory submitted a report which sets out details of an application which sought the grant of a premises licence for “No Problem Convenience Store” 41 Armley Ridge Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 3LD.

Supplementary information in the form of additional letters of support, was agreed by all parties and circulated prior to the meeting.

In summary, the premises would be operating as a mini market and grocery store selling alcohol for consumption off the premises. The applicant had applied for the following:

Sale by retail of alcohol:

Monday -Thursday 08:00 - 21:00

Friday  08:00 - 22:00

Saturday  09:00 - 22:00

Sunday  09:00 - 21:00

Members were informed that the responsible authorities and Ward Members had been notified of this application.

The application had attracted 20 letters of support and one letter of objection, which had been signed by 3 ward councillors on behalf of local residents. The objection referred to:

·  The intention was to open every day from 0600 to 2300, which was considered to be totally unacceptable.

·  The proposed off-license was close to Armley Moor where the illegal drinkers congregate in groups causing fear and distress to Armley residents.

·  The public, particularly the elderly, don’t feel safe shopping in this area because of anti- social behaviour by the illegal street drinkers.

·  Children should not have to observe such behaviour on their journeys to and from school.

·  The negative impact on the police as they have to respond to public and councillors complaints.

·  There were already far too many off-licences in and around Town Street and the easy access to cheap alcohol works as a magnet in drawing in undesirable elements from other parts of the city.

·  The last thing Armley needs is yet another off-licence.

There were no objectors present at the meeting.

The following were in attendance:

·  David Dodson – Applicant

·  June Clarke (JMC Licensing Consultants) – Applicant’s Representative

·  Tony Clarke (JMC Licensing Consultants) – Observing

Mrs Clarke addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant, providing a brief overview of the history of the premises. Members were advised that Mr

Dodson had traded at the premises for a period of nine months and had become an integral part of the community carrying out important community charity work and fostering strong relationships with the local people.

In addressing the objections raised by Local Ward Councillors, Mrs Clarke said the hours referred to in the letter of objection were incorrect, the correct hours were as listed on page 7 of the submitted report. The allegation that illegal drinkers congregate on Armley Moor was not relevant to this application, Armley Moor was some distance away from the premises and street drinking was not illegal. Mrs Clarke suggested that alcohol was not an illegal product and the selling of alcohol was in line with the rest of Europe. On the issue of anti-social behaviour Mrs Clarke said people need to take responsibility for their own actions. Referring to the negative impact on the police Mrs Clarke said the Police had been consulted about this application and had chosen not to raise any objections.

Turning to the letters of support Mrs Clarke said that in total 20 letters of support had been received, the vast majority coming from customers who lived locally and who considered Mr Dodson to be a well-respected and valued member of the community.

Members were informed that the premises successfully held 3 Temporary Events Notices (TENS) in December 2020. The TENS were for 7 days and licenced for sale by retail of alcohol for 08:00 – 23:00, no objections/ complaints were made to the Licensing Authority regarding these temporary licences.

In response to a question from Members, Mrs Clarke confirmed that the sale of alcohol was as per the trade hours.

In summing up Mrs Clarke said the applicant would consider any additional conditions to mitigate against any areas of potential weakness, the applicant did not wish to undermine the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Sub-Committee carefully considered the report of the Chief Officer (Elections and Regulatory), the Statement of Licensing Policy and the representations submitted and made at the hearing on behalf of the applicant.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted as applied for.