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

Members of the Sub-Committee are 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.

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 Assistant Chief Executive reported upon an application that had been received from Newton Post Office, 80 Newton Cross Lane, Newton, 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.

A representative of the applicant, Mr Sivakaran, attended the meeting with the proposed Premises Licence Holder, Mr Pathrannehelage. Mr Nowell, a local resident was also in attendance to object to the application.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received. She then informed Members that two apologies had been received from local residents.

Members of the Sub-Committee were advised that following discussion with Merseyside Police, the Applicant had agreed to amend the Operating Schedule to include a number of conditions to prevent crime and disorder, including conditions relating to the provision of CCTV and not selling beer, lager or cider above 6.5% ABV.

Mr Sivakaran addressed the Sub-Committee, on behalf of Mr Pathrannehelage. Members heard from the applicant regarding measures that would be put in place to prevent alcohol being sold in such a way that it would be detrimental to the community and to ensure that the Licensing Objectives would be promoted. This included the implementation of a Challenge 25 Policy, till prompts to prevent the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 and comprehensive training and guidance for staff working at the premises in respect of the responsible sale of alcohol. He then identified to Members that no representations had been received from the responsibility authorities.

Mr Pathrannehelage then addressed the Sub-Committee and informed Members that he had 12 years experience of working in retail premises, including the sale of alcohol in Licensed Premises. He then advised that he expected alcohol would constitute a modest percentage of the retail space within the shop.

Mr Sivakaran and Pathrannehelage responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, Mr Nowell, local resident and Mr D K Abraham, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee.

In response to questions, Mr Pathrannehelage informed the Sub-Committee that he wold maintain a refusals log book and would install CCTV at the premises. He further informed Members that he expected the sale of alcohol in his premises to constitute no more than 10% of his total income.

Mr Nowell then addressed the Committee in objection to the application. Members heard his submission that the sale of alcohol at these premises would attract youths to gather within the vicinity of the premises, a factor which he believed would lead to anti-social behaviour in the area. He then informed the Committee of his concerns regarding vehicles parking at the premises, which, in his opinion, would create a particular nuisance to local residents during the evening and at weekends.

Mr Nowell responded to questions from Members of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

Councillor S Niblock took the opportunity, at the end of the Municipal Year, to thank Officers and fellow Members who had had involvement with the Licensing Act 2003 and Licensing Act 2003 Sub Committee. He commended all involved for all their efforts and hard work.

Councillor J Salter endorsed Councillor Niblock’s remarks.