Agenda and minutes

Councillor Collins had been appointed Chairman for this Hearing.

None declared and there were no objections to the Members on the Panel.

To consider and determine an application for a new premises licence for Liquor and Vape Store, 158 Aldershot Road, Church Crookham, Fleet, GU52 8JT in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Hearing and all those present introduced themselves.

The Chairman confirmed that no representations had been withdrawn.

The Licensing Officer summarised the application contained in her report. She confirmed that within the 28-day consultation period four valid representations had been received opposing the application which related to the possibility that neighbouring residents would be affected by noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour and the possibility of youths congregating outside the premises.

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

There were no questions about the Officer’s report.

The Agent’s Associate presented the application and explained his client’s (the Applicant) 12-year experience in the Licensing trade. He also explained the staff training schedule and procedures, the importance of the challenge 25 policy and a refusal book, the use of CCTV and how this will be operated and monitored.

He highlighted that the Applicant planned to have no deliveries between 7pm and 8am.   

Members further questioned the time that deliveries would be permitted.

Members also questioned the Applicant further on how credible he felt asking customers to leave the premises would ensure that customers left the store quietly to respect residents and the tenant living above the premises. 

Members asked the Applicant if he planned to sell any other goods apart from vapes and alcohol and he replied he was looking at selling snacks, American sweets and crisps, confectionary and possible slushy drinks in addition.

Mr Carruthers opposed the application as well as his daughter who lives above the premises. Mr Carruthers spoke on behalf of his daughter who could not attend the Hearing.

Mr Carruthers informed the group he was concerned about the proposed opening hours, that were 7am until 10pm.

He said he appreciated the existing sound proofing that the dwelling above the premises has, but stated he does not believe it is soundproof.

Mr Carruthers confirmed that he does not object to an off licence operating in principle but asked the Committee to consider reducing the proposed opening hours.

The Agent’s Associate asked Mr Carruthers to provide more detail on the existing sound proofing and this was discussed.

The Chairman thanked all parties for their contributions.

The Licensing Officer reiterated that the Applicant had asked for a condition to be included in the Licence preventing any deliveries to be carried out between 7pm and 8am.

The Agent’s Associate summarised that his client planned to do more work on the premise’s soundproofing and highlighted that the opening hours proposed are less than the core hours permitted.

Members had no further questions and adjourned from 11:28am until 1:04pm.

The Chairman welcomed the group back and read out the Decision Notice. This Notice is included in full in the Minutes.