Resolved – That Councillor P Stuart be appointed 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 Managing Director for Delivery reported upon an application that had been received from Mr Ragupathy for a Premises Licence in respect of 82-84 Grange Road West, Birkenhead, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

It was reported that these premises were situated within the special cumulative impact area and had previously held a Premises Licence which was revoked by the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee on 18 February 2016 following a Closure Order issued by Wirral Magistrates Court.  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 and taking into account the Special Cumulative Impact Policy. A copy of the full application was available. Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the application be granted.

Representations had been received from Merseyside Police, the Licensing Authority, Public Health, Ward Councillors, a local resident and Arch Initiatives.  The representations related to concerns of the cumulative impact of an additional licensed premises in an area where known street drinkers congregate and cause anti-social behaviour.  Concerns were also raised that each of the four Licensing Objectives could be undermined and the history of criminal activities directly linked to the premises.  Copies of the representations were available.

The applicant attended the meeting together with his solicitor, Ms Forrest.

Ms T Cavanagh-Wilkinson, Public Health, Councillor J Stapleton, Councillor G Davies, Ward Councillor, Sergeant Carrmichael and S Cushion, Merseyside Police, A Bushell, Licensing Operations Manager and K McHugh, Wirral Ways to Recovery were in attendance.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received.

Ms Forrest addressed Members and advised that although the premises fall within the cumulative impact policy zone, she believed the application should be considered on its merits.  Ms Forrest referred to the representations received and set out the 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.  She advised that the application contained comprehensive conditions and that the applicant was an experienced operator.  She informed Members that the applicant would be happy to reduce the hours to 9am to 10pm for the sale of alcohol should the application be granted.  She believed that the impact of an additional outlet selling alcohol in this area would not have a negative impact on the Licensing Objectives and that another premises selling alcohol in the area would not add to the problems of alcohol related anti–social behaviour in the area.  Members were also advised that the applicant had worked in the trade since 1999.  He would employ local people and would live above the premises with his family.  Ms Forrest therefore believed that Members should act outside of the current Cumulative Impact Policy for this area and grant the Premises Licence in respect  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.