Resolved – That Councillor S Niblock be appointed Chair for this meeting.

Members of the Sub-Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made.

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Baltic Store, 1 Sherlock Lane, Wallasey for a Premises Licence under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The hours requested were outlined within the report.

The applicant had submitted an operating schedule setting out how the business would be conducted/managed in accordance with the four licensing objectives. A copy of the full application was available. Members were advised that following discussions with Merseyside Police, the applicant had agreed to a number of conditions being included in the Operations Schedule should the Premises Licence be granted.

A representative of the applicant, Ms Sylvia Rydzynska attended the meeting with the proposed DPS for the premises. Members were advised that written authorisation had been given for Ms Rydzynska to speak on behalf of the applicant.

Ms Tricia Cavanagh, Public Health Advisor and Mr Gary Rickwood, Senior Public Health Manager were also in attendance.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received. An amended copy of a map detailing locations of licensed areas within the area was circulated by the representatives from public health.

Ms Rydzynska addressed the Sub-Committee and reported that it was expected that only 3% of income would come from the sale of alcohol. Members were informed that the shop will specialise in Polish produce and will only sell Polish alcohol. It was explained that the cost of alcohol will be high as it will need to be imported, therefore it is likely that alcohol will be purchased primarily by local Polish residents and would not be a low cost outlet for alcohol. Members were then advised that the applicant intends to adopt a strict ‘challenge 25 policy’ and will keep a log book to record this. It was further advised that the applicant will ensure that all staff undertake appropriate training. Members heard how the applicant has had experience with similar premises for a number of years and currently operates in two other premises.

Ms Rydzynska responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee and Mr A Bayatti, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee.

Ms Tricia Cavanagh addressed the Sub Committee to express concerns regarding the availability of alcohol within Wirral and the correlation between the availability of alcohol as a whole and the density of venues selling alcohol and the impact of the cost on public health. It was reported that there are currently two low intensity areas of ASB just below where Baltic Store will be and that the concern is that these areas could become hot spots if more alcohol were to become available.

Representatives from Public Health responded to questions from Members of the Sub Committee and Mr A Bayatti, Legal Advisor to the Sub- Committee.

In determining the application the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee had regard to the Licensing Objectives, The Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Statutory Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

In considering the application Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.