Agenda and draft minutes

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

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 Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 submitted by Ascona Retail Limited, Unit 12, Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, SA72 6UN following the receipt of relevant representations. The application is for a licence for the sale of alcohol on / between Monday – Sunday 06:00 until 23:00 (off premises only).

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 four relevant representations from “Other Persons” as defined by The Act. The representations received relate to the public safety, crime and disorder, prevention of noise nuisance and the protection of children from harm licensing objectives.

Objection 1 was submitted by Omar Radwan (other persons). Mr Radwan states that the granting of the licence will lead to road safety concerns, drink driving, increased noise, littering and anti-social behaviour.

Objection 2 was submitted by Madina Lunat (other persons) who states that the sale of alcohol in such close proximity to a sporting and recreational facility is inappropriate and poses potential risks to the welfare of young people. Furthermore, Ms Lunat believes that the sale of alcohol would lead to crime and disorder such as under aged drinking, shop lifting and drink driving.

Objection 3 was submitted by Karen Milner (other persons), she states that she is already impacted by crime and disorder in the area and feels that the sale of alcohol at the service station will increase antisocial behaviour as well as noise nuisance.

Objection 4 was submitted by Raihan Patel (other persons), who states that allowing alcohol sales so close to a sports venue that draws in young people creates a high risk of antisocial behaviour such as underage sales of alcohol and drink driving.

Alison Anderton, the Area Manager of Ascona Retail was in attendance on behalf of the applicant, who was also represented by Gill Sheratt from Licensing Matters.

The objectors did not attend to provide oral representations.

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, Sarah Jones, introduced the report and answered questions. She 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.

Gill Sheratt made representations on behalf of the applicant. She outlined details of the Ascona company and how they have 68 stores nationally, most of which have alcohol licences, and some can sell alcohol 24 hours a day. They are very experienced in dealing with premises licences. Staff are trained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.