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 Augustin for a Premises Licence in respect of 92A Lansdowne Road, Birkenhead, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

It was reported that these premises do not currently have a premises licence and are not currently operating.  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.

Representations had been received from Ward Councillors, Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Magenta Living, North Birkenhead Development Trust and local residents.  A representation had been submitted by Merseyside Police however this had subsequently been withdrawn further to the conditions proposed by the applicant.  The representations related to concerns that should the application be granted then the premises would be another location for people to congregate and cause anti-social behaviour.  There were also concerns that the high level of anti-social behaviour caused by gangs of youths and intoxicated individuals, which was currently an issue in the area would be exacerbated.  Copies of the representations were available.  Two petitions had also been signed by a total of 214 local residents.

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

Councillor J McManus, Ward Councillor, Ms E Barrett, North Birkenhead Development Trust, M Williams, Tenancy Enforcement Officer and C Hooper, Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team were also in attendance.

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

Ms Forrest addressed Members and advised that 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.  These measures included extensive CCTV covering both inside and outside the premises, an EPOS till system, staff training and a Challenge 25 Policy.  She advised that the application contained comprehensive conditions and that the applicant was an experienced operator.  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 these premises would not add to the problems of alcohol related anti–social behaviour in the area.  Ms Forrest emphasised that the premises was to operate as a convenience store and that it should not be considered in the same way as an off licence which sells alcohol as its main product.  Members were also advised that the applicant was very experienced, had held a Personal Licence since 2006 as well as having responsibility for the management of similar types of premises in areas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.