Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Councillor Alan James was appointed Chair for the meeting.

Councillor Alan James was appointed Chair for the meeting.

The Chair welcomed all parties to the meeting and all present were introduced.  The hearing procedures had been circulated previously to all parties and copies of the Statement of Licensing Policy were made available at the meeting.

No declarations of interest had been raised.

No declarations of interest had been raised.

To consider an application for a new Premises Licence submitted in accordance with Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 (an outline of the submission and associated papers are attached).

Please note the procedure to be taken by the Sub Committee (which is attached to this agenda).

RESOLVED that the application be granted as applied for.

A report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection was submitted (previously circulated) upon –

(i)        an application having been received from Co-operative Food Limited in respect  of Co-op, Victoria Road, Prestatyn (Appendix A to the report);

(ii)      the intention to operate the premises as a convenience store open seven days a week selling groceries, sundry items and alcohol for consumption off the premises only;

(iii)     the applicant having requested authorisation to provide alcohol as follows –

(iv)     one written representation (Appendix B to the report) having been received from an interested party in response to the public notice relating to possible disturbance from noise and anti-social behaviour;

(v)      the applicant having indicated a willingness to mediate with the interested party however the objector had indicated that they preferred the matter to be brought before members;

(vi)     the need to consider the application taking due account of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy; Guidance issued by the Secretary of State; other relevant legislation and relevant representations received, and

(vii)    the options available to the committee when determining the application.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report and detailed the facts of the case.

APPLICANT’S SUBMISSION

Mr. R. Arnot, Ward Hadaway Solicitors and Mr. O. Jones, Co-op Store Manager were in attendance for the Applicant (Co-operative Food Limited).

In making his client’s case Mr. Arnot –

·         provided some background information to Co-operative Food Limited advising that it was a large, well known, long established and reputable retailer with plans for further investment and expansion into Wales; he also explained the Co-op’s core values and support of local communities and charities

·         advised that the application related to a new build Co-op Store in Prestatyn due to open in April 2019 with standard opening hours (6.00 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.) in order to cater for customers’ convenience and reflect modern shopping habits

·         indicated that the sale of alcohol related to approximately 15% of turnover with 85% of turnover relating to groceries and sundries demonstrating that the sale of alcohol was ancillary to the Store’s wide range of domestic products

·         elaborated upon the Co-op’s comprehensive policies and procedures, including all age related matters, with particular reference to training and systems for ensuring the Challenge 25 policy was strictly adhered to (details of the Co-op’s Core Colleague Training Manual and Age Matters information had been previously circulated to members together with a block plan of the premises)

·         detailed the layout of the premises and strategic positioning of alcohol away from the entrance and prevention of direct access for customers together with the number and positioning of both internal and external CCTV cameras

·         advised that, in line with usual practice, the Police had been contacted at an early stage in the process and had confirmed they were satisfied in terms of the proposals for the Store; it was also highlighted that no objections to the application had been received from any responsible authorities

·         quoted Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 10.15 relating to hours of trading “Shops, stores and supermarkets should normally be free to provide sales of alcohol for consumption off the premises at any times when the retail outlet is open for shopping unless there are good reasons, based on the licensing objectives, for restricting those hours” which was also reflected in the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy Section 8.5 “Shops and supermarkets will generally be permitted to sell  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.