Agenda and draft minutes

The Sub-Committee comprised of Councillors Martin Bottoms (Chair), Gerry Blaikie and Paul Tynan.

The Legal Adviser was Daniel Spencer, Solicitor.

The Democratic Support Officer was Sarah Moorghen.

The Sub-Committee was requested to consider an application for a Premises Licences submitted by Singhandkumar Limited under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of Luna Bargain, 2 New Street, Lancaster, LA1 1EG. The application is for a licence for the sale  and supply of alcohol on/ between Monday – Sunday 07:00 until 23:00 (off premises)

During the 28-day statutory consultation period there were no representations received from any of the Responsible Authorities who are considered experts in one or more of the Licensing Objectives. However, the Council received two relevant representations from “Other Persons” as defined by The Act. These relate to both the Public Nuisance and Crime Prevention licensing objectives.

The concerns of the other persons related predominantly to public nuisance where it is perceived that should members seek to grant this licence then there would be a strong likelihood of an increase to both noise nuisance and alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour in respect of this largely commercial area of the city centre. Further, they believe that to allow the retail sale of alcohol for 16 hours per day from the premises would encourage homeless people who they contend regularly use the steps of the premises directly opposite to congregate and thereby exacerbate alcohol consumption in the street and any associated anti-social behaviour which would be wholly detrimental to the current status quo of this area of Lancaster.

The applicant was represented by Company Director Mr Singh together with his Licensing Consultant Mr Tony Clark.

Mr John Oliver was in attendance who was an interested party as he had made relevant representations against the grant of the application.

The Chair explained the procedure to those present and stated that the hearing would be a discussion led by the licensing authority, and any questions would be put through the Chair.

The Licensing Officer, David Eglin, introduced the report and answered questions. He confirmed that the options available to the Sub-Committee where:

1)         grant the application as applied for.

2)         modify any offered conditions within the application.

3)         include additional conditions.

4)         reject the whole application.

Mr Oliver made representations in line with the written representations that he had already submitted. He believes that the sale of the alcohol from the premises will encourage anti-social behaviour. He provided details of issues of overflowing bins on Sun Street, a recent fire, bins tipped over and general anti-social behaviour. He states that as consuming alcohol on the street is illegal in the area, it is causing people to do it down the alleyways instead. He he also highlighted the issue of homelessness, whereby alcohol misuse can also be an issue. He stated that the Council has recently invested in the area with new disability access, seating which prevents homeless sleeping and locks on bins, but the issues have still remained. He states that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.