Agenda item

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

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Loasu Food and Wine

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR THE APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Loasu Food and Wine

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of Loasu Food and Wine, 168-170 Ashfield Road. The application being for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between the hours of 8am and 11pm.

The applicant, Mr Vipudhsan, accompanied by his agent, Mr Jordan, was in attendance and outlined his application. Mr Jordan highlighted the nature of the application as a convenience store selling a range of goods including alcohol and that a number of proposed conditions had been agreed with Lancashire Constabulary to ensure that the application did not impact on the Licensing Objective of Prevention of Crime and Disorder. The Panel expressed concern about Mr Vipudhsan lack of experience running licensed premises.

The Panel heard from a number of public objectors including Mr Bullock on behalf of Mrs Mullineaux, Mr Sprigg, Mrs Dyson and Mrs Evans. The objectors highlighted their areas for concern including anti-social behaviour within the area. While acknowledging that the Police had not objected, they highlighted their view that they were problems existing in the area and these were only limited by the good management of the existing off licence in the area.

In response to issues raised by the objectors, the Panel was reminded by Mrs Davies, Head of Licensing Service, that covenants on the use of premises were not a relevant consideration for the Licensing Panel.

The Panel considered carefully the application, the representations, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State’s guidance.

The Panel concluded that there were serious problems in the area and that the granting of an additional licence particularly to a relatively inexperienced operator would undermine the licensing objectives. The Panel did not consider that its concerns

Resolved:

That the application for a Premises Licence in respect of Loasu Food and Wine be refused.