The Director of Law and Governance reported upon an application that had been received from Pamini Mathiyaparanam for a Premises Licence in respect of Keerthi Superstore, 56 King Street, Wallasey, CH44 8AU.

The hours applied for the Premises Licence were set out 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 had been provided to Members. Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the application be granted.

In respect of the application three representations had been received from local residents.  The representations related to concerns of crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour and underage drinking which residents considered was currently a problem within the vicinity of the premises.  Copies of the representations had been provided to Members.

The applicant’s agent attended the meeting together with the applicant’s brother.  Two local residents who had made representations were also in attendance.

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

The Licensing Manager outlined the report. 

The applicant’s agent addressed the Sub-Committee and advised that although the premises had previously traded as a convenience store with a Premises Licence, this was an application for a new licence which was a new business venture for an empty shop which was being refurbished to become a new general convenience store selling a wide range of goods. Members of the Sub-Committee were advised that alcohol sales would be part of the business in order to offer an all round service to customers.

Members were informed that alcohol sales would be between 12-15% of the floor space and spirits would be kept behind the counter.  It was highlighted that the applicant had submitted a comprehensive set of conditions to be attached to the Premises Licence should it be granted.  These included a CCTV system covering inside and outside the premises, a Challenge 25 Policy and that no member of staff would be allowed to sell alcohol until they had received training in respect of their obligations under the Licensing Act 2003.

In response to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, local residents and the legal advisor to the Sub-Committee, the applicant’s agent advised that the applicant would be re-locating to Merseyside and would be the Designated Premises Supervisor at the premises and had previous experience working in licensed premises.  The applicant’s brother would also be working at the premises and there would be two trained members of staff working at the premises at any one time.

Further to concerns raised in respect of the hours of the sale of alcohol, the applicant’s agent submitted that although the application had been made for the sale of alcohol from 6.00 am they would be content for this to be reduced by one hour in the morning to start from 7.00 am.

The local residents in attendance expressed their concerns regarding the number of premises selling alcohol within the vicinity of the premises.  The local residents advised that the premises was located in a drug and rehabilitation area and they were concerned that the operation of another licensed premises in the vicinity would lead to an increase in anti social behaviour in the area.  The local residents informed Members of the Sub-Committee that they had written to Merseyside Police in respect of their concerns.

In determining the application Members of the Licensing Act Sub-Committee had regard to the Licensing Objectives, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Statutory Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

In coming to their decision, Members also had regard to the Statutory Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003 that their decision must be evidenced based and in this regard gave consideration to the fact that no evidence had been provided by Merseyside Police that the granting of the application would lead to anti-social behaviour or criminal activity within the vicinity of the premises.

In determining the application Members of the Licensing Act Sub-Committee had regard to the fact that no representations had been received from any of the Responsible Authorities, in particular Merseyside Police, Trading Standards and the Licensing Authority.

Members also took into account Section 11 of the Guidance in respect of the Review Mechanism provided by the Licensing Act 2003 when problems associated with the Licensing Objectives occur after the grant of a Premises Licence.

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 Keerthi Superstore, 56 King Street, Wallasey CH44 8AU, be granted with the following hours:

Sale of alcohol during the following hours for consumption ‘off’ the premises only:

Sunday to Saturday  07:00 to 00:00 

Late Night Refreshment

Sunday to Saturday  23:00 to 00:00

Hours Open to the Public

Sunday to Saturday   06:00 to 00:00