Agenda and minutes

Councillor Stamp was elected Chair of the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered an application from Sukhbir Singh Bhandal for a premises licence to enable alcohol to be sold from the above premises (for consumption off the premises). 

Ian Garrod presented his report. He confirmed that:

·           this was the first time a premises licence had been sought for the premises

·           no objections had been received from statutory authorities

·           three objections were originally received from members of the public; one of which been withdrawn after a reduction in the hours of opening and alcohol sales had been made to the application. 

Neither of the two remaining objectors were present to give oral evidence.  

Louis Stelling presented the application and commented that:

·           Sukhbir Bhandal had approximately 20 years’ experience in the retail trade and that there had never been a review of any licence that he (Sukhbir Bhandal) had held or operated during that time

·           parking problems were unlikely to occur given that five designated parking spaces were allocated to the premises

·           Sukhbir Bhandal would happily demonstrate his commitment to implementing an effective Challenge 25 regime and would ensure that anyone who was, in his opinion, under age of inebriated, would not be served

·           Mr. Bhandal would make arrangements for ensuring that the frontage of the premises was kept litter free.

In response to Members’ questions:

·      Louis Stelling considered that Sukhbir Bhandal’s level of care and attention to detail in upholding the licensing objectives would be at least equal to that deployed by the neighbouring co-op

·           Sukhbir Bhandal acknowledged that a decision regarding the location of CCTV equipment was still pending and would depend upon guidance from the Budgens team regarding the positioning of a fridge-freezer etc.  

In his summing up, Louis Stelling confirmed that the applicant would co-operate with the Council regarding any additional requirements / conditions regarding CCTV  facilities. 

The hearing concluded at 6.50pm. The three Sub-Committee members remained in the Chamber to consider their decision, assisted by Lidia Harrison and Vince Sharp. These deliberations culminated in the decision notice attached at Appendix A.