Agenda and minutes

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The Sub-Committee considered the application for a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between the hours of 07:30 and 22:00 daily Monday to Saturday and between 10:00 and 17:00 on Sunday.  The Sub-Committee also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Licensing Policy and the National Guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended).

The Licensing Compliance Officer informed the Sub-Committee that a new premises licence was sought for the sale of alcohol off the premises.    The store was currently under construction and had delayed their scheduled opening date.  The only licence for regulated activity being applied for at present was the sale of alcohol.  No representations had been received from responsible authorities. One representation had been received, signed by six residents of Haydon Place.  The concerns raised were in relation to the potential for public nuisance and crime and disorder and alcohol related disorder.   The Sub-Committee was advised that, as per Home Office Guidance, anti-social behaviour beyond the immediate area is a matter of the individual’s responsibility, not the applicant’s.

Mr Wallsgrove (Solicitor) acting on behalf of Waitrose made the following submissions in support of their application:

·         Clarified that the application sought permission for sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, as well as sale of alcohol on the premises.  The sale of alcohol on the premises was for special events only, such as retirement parties in the Partner’s dining room, and anticipated very limited usage. Consumption of alcohol on site would only be limited to the Partner’s dining room, and the Committee was invited to make a condition to the effect that the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption was limited to the Partner’s dining room.

·         The hours sought for the sale of alcohol off the premises and on the premises were the same as the operating hours granted by planning permission 07:30 and 22:00 daily Monday to Saturday and between 10:00 and 17:00 on Sunday.

·         Whilst those were the hours sought, in practice, Waitrose intended to operate with the following opening hours: 08:00 – 21:00 Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 20:00 Saturday and 11:00 – 17:00 Sundays.  They may extend their opening hours during seasonal times such as during the week leading up to Christmas.  The new store was due to open on the 5 November 2015

·         A digital CCTV system would be installed.  Waitrose had met with the police who had no concerns and it was submitted that the Sub-Committee should attach great weight to this.   The applicant stated that the police were satisfied, given that Waitrose was a responsible business, ensuring that its employees were fully trained to understand their responsibilities with the Challenge 25 Policy. 

·         Supervisors were required to authorise the sale of alcohol for cashiers who were under 18 years of age.  The Deputy Premises Supervisor (DPS) would also be the Manager of the Guildford branch. Waitrose encouraged a hands-on approach to the management of their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.