Agenda item

a. APPLICATION AND REPRESENTATIONS SUBMITTED. To consider the attached report

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Tipples Off Licence

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Tipples Off Licence

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of Tipples Off Licence, 87 Central Drive. It was noted that since the agenda had been distributed the applicant had volunteered an amendment to the application to restrict opening hours to between 10am and 6pm and added a number of conditions as outlined in the supplementary information.

The applicant, Mr Jagne was in attendance and spoke in support of his application. He highlighted his experience within the licensed trade and as a registered door supervisor. He expressed the view that his application would be relatively small scale and not impact on the problems in the area.  He also highlighted that he lived in the area and had done for a number of years so was well aware of the problems in the area.

Mr Marshall, Licensing/Health and Safety Enforcement Manager was in attendance and presented the objections of both the Licensing Authority and Public Health. Mr Marshall was accompanied Mr Docherty, a local resident, who he had called as a witness. Mr Marshall reminded members that the application was within the designated Cumulative Impact Area for Off Licences. Mr Marshall noted that Mr Jagne appeared to be a competent operator and outlined his view that the number of off-licences within Bloomfield ward and on that area of Central Drive. Through his witness, Mr Docherty, he highlighted the high levels of anti-social behaviour being

Sgt Parkinson was in attendance and presented the objections of Lancashire Constabulary. Sergeant Parkinson reminded members that the application was within the Cumulative Impact Area for Off Licences and that the Council’s own Statement of Licensing Policy stated that applications would only be granted in exceptional circumstances. She highlighted the concerns of the Local Community Beat Manager and emphasised the issues of anti-social behaviour including street drinking.

The Panel noted that representations had been received in respect of the application from Social Services but that this responsible authority had chosen not to make oral representations at the hearing.

The Panel considered carefully the evidence submitted and was mindful the Statement of Licensing Policy stated that only applications that were exceptional should be granted in the Cumulative Impact Zone. On the information before it the Licensing Panel was not satisfied that the application was exceptional and therefore concluded that the application should be refused due to the ongoing problems within the area that had resulted in the imposition of the Cumulative Impact Zone.

Resolved:

That the application for a new Premises Licence in respect of Tipples Off Licence, Central Drive be refused.