Agenda and draft minutes

The Licensing Panel considered the appointment of a Chairman for the meeting.

Resolved:

That Councillor Hutton be appointed Chairman for the meeting.

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:-

(1) the type of interest concerned

(2) the nature of the interest concerned; and

(3) whether they have or have not sat on a Planning Committee which has previously considered a planning application in respect of a licensed premises which is also subject to consideration for a premises licence as part of the agenda for this meeting.

If any Member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

(Members are asked to also pay particular attention to the guidance sheet on interests supplied with the agenda).

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

The Chairman explained the procedure for the meeting including that an equal time limit of fifteen minutes for all parties.

To consider an application for a new Premises Licence for Co-op, North Drive, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 3PG.

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of the Co-op, North Drive. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises 06.00 – 23.00 hours daily.

Mr Richard Arnot, Solicitor for the applicant, and Mr Gary Redpath, Area Manager Coop Group were both in attendance via Zoom and made representations to the Licensing Panel. Mr Arnot highlighted the Coop group’s long history of working as part of the licensed trade and its rigorous procedures for staff training and risk management. Mr Arnot expressed his view that the objections were speculative and not backed up by evidence. He asked the Licensing Panel to pay particular emphasis to the fact that none of the responsible authorities had submitted objections to the grant of the licence.

Councillor Tony Williams, Ward Councillor for Anchorsholme, was in attendance via Zoom and spoke in objection to the application. Councillor Williams highlighted concerns that had been expressed to him as Ward Councillor about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and previous incidents in the location. Councillor Williams highlighted his view that many in the local community were against the application and would have submitted objections were it not for the Coronavirus

The Licensing Panel considered carefully the evidence submitted by both parties and the Licensing Objectives. While it noted Councillor Williams’ concerns, it balanced that with the operating schedule and conditions already agreed by the applicant which outlined the application’s intention to work pro-actively to address any potential issues. The Panel was mindful that no responsible authority had objected to the application. The Licensing Panel concluded that it would not reasonable to refuse the application and neither was it necessary to add any further conditions to the licence.

Resolved:

That the application for a Premises Licence in respect of Coop, North Drive be granted as outlined in the agenda.