The Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported upon an application that had been received from Balvinder Grewal for the grant of a Premises Licence in respect of 181-183 Kings Road, Bebington, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The premises do not currently hold a Premises Licence.  The application for the grant of a Premises Licence was for the following hours:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol

Sunday to Saturday  08:00 to 23:00

Hours Open to the Public

Sunday to Saturday  06:00 to 23:00

The applicant had originally requested that the sale by retail of alcohol start from 06:00 and subsequently amended this as above following consultation with Merseyside Police.

The applicant was required to submit an operating schedule setting out how they would conduct/manage their business 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 licence be granted.

In respect of this application, three representations had been received from local residents relating to anti-social behaviour caused by youths which they considered was currently a problem within the vicinity of the premises.  Copies of the representations were available.

No representations had been received from any of the Responsible Authorities.

The applicant attended the meeting together with his wife and his representative, Mrs Sherratt.

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

Mrs Sherratt addressed the Sub-Committee and advised that the applicant owned another shop in Rock Ferry and that him and his wife had over 30 years experience in the business.  They had never encountered any problems and had passed a number of test purchases.  Mrs Sherratt informed Members that the applicant had a good relationship with Merseyside Police and local residents and that Mr and Mrs Grewal had bought the premises and intended to invest a large sum of money re-fitting the premises to a high standard.  She advised that the premises would operate an EPOS till system including an inbuilt computerised refusal system, top specification CCTV and that training would be in place for all members of staff.

Mrs Sherratt and the applicant responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee and Mr D K Abraham, Legal Adviser 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 Relevant Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. 

Members considered written representations made by the applicant and local residents and heard representations from Mr Grewal and his representative.

Members noted that the application for the supply of alcohol had been amended following consultation with Merseyside Police and also that a Challenge 25 Policy would be implemented at the premises.

Members also noted that to avoid underage sales, the refusals register will be complimented by a till system with an in-built refusal mechanism.

Members gave consideration as to how the premises would be managed including the fact that the store would have extensive CCTV coverage.

Resolved -

(1)  That, in accordance with Regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the application.

(2)  That the application for a Premises Licence in respect of 181-183 Kings Road, Bebington be granted with the following hours:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol

Sunday to Saturday  08:00 to 23:00

Hours Open to the Public

Sunday to Saturday  06:00 to 23:00