Resolved – That Councillor D Mitchell 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 PararaJasingam Sathakaran for a Premises Licence in respect of 71-73 Ridgewood Drive, Pensby under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

It was reported that these premises do not currently have a premises licence and are currently operating as a convenience store.  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 the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the application be granted.

Members were advised that following discussions with Merseyside Police, the applicant had agreed to include a number of conditions to be placed on the Premises Licence should the application be granted.

Nine representations had been received from local residents.  A petition had also been received signed by 97 local residents.  Further to receiving the petition, the Licensing Authority received a further nine supporting representations from residents who had signed the petition.  The representations related to anti-social behaviour caused by youths within the vicinity of the premises.  The representations also related to the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area where the premises are located.  Copies of the representations and petition were available.

The applicant attended the meeting together with his representative, Mr Douglas.

Councillor M Sullivan, Ward Councillor, was also in attendance together with Mr Roberts and Mr Hall, local residents.

The Licensing Team Leader confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received and that additional documentation had also been circulated.

Mr Douglas addressed Members and explained that discussions had been held with Merseyside Police and advised that he area was not plagued by antisocial behaviour or street drinking.  He outlined 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 all four of the Licensing Objectives would be promoted.  These measures included the introduction of a Challenge 25 Policy, an electronic till prompt to prevent underage sales as well as ongoing staff training which would be reviewed on a 12 month basis.  Mr Douglas advised Members that in addition to the conditions proposed in the Operating Schedule and those agreed with the Police, it was proposed that there would be no advertising of the sale of alcohol in the windows of the premises, there would be no beer, lager or cider with an ABV of 6.5% and above sold at the premises except for artisan beers and also the applicant would voluntarily sign up to the Reduce the Strength initiative.  It was also proposed that the premises would be community based and that they would deliver convenience foods and alcohol to regular customers.  He further advised that the applicant was a good operator, had never had cause for concern and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.