Agenda and draft minutes

AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEETING THE CHAIR WAS ADVISED THAT THE MEETING WAS INQUORATE. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AND RECONVENED AT 10.45AM.

The Sub-Committee comprised of Councillors Martin Bottoms (Chair), Maria Deery, and Martin Gawith.

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 Niranjan Sivanathan, Scale Hall Stores, 74 Cleveleys Avenue, Lancaster, LA1 5HD, following the receipt of relevant representations. The application is for a licence for the sale of alcohol (off the premises only) between Monday – Sunday 07:00 until 23:00.

During the 28-day statutory consultation period, no representations were received from any of the Responsible Authorities, who are considered experts in one or more of the Licensing Objectives. However, the Council received fourteen relevant representations from “Other Persons” as defined by the Act. The representations related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm licensing objectives.

The objections raised concerns relating to increased noise, litter, traffic, antisocial behavior, public safety, and the proximity of the premises to residential properties and areas where children are present. Several objectors also referred to the availability of alcohol from other nearby licensed premises.

The applicant Niranjan Sivanathan was in attendance and was represented at the hearing by Suresh Kanapathi from Ark Licensing Consultants.

The objectors Jodie Simpson, Katrina Blayden-Byrne, Dorothea Williamson, and Christine Adams were in attendance.

The Chair explained the procedure to those present and confirmed that the hearing would be a discussion led by the Licensing Authority, with all questions directed through the Chair.

The Licensing Officer, Sarah Jones, introduced the report and answered questions.

She confirmed that the options available to the Sub-Committee were:

1) Grant the application as applied for.

2) Grant the application with modified conditions offered within the application.

3) Grant the application with additional conditions.

4) Reject the whole application.

The Objectors were all given the opportunity to address the Sub-Committee and they made representations in line with the written objections submitted. The objectors highlighted a number of concerns, relating to the opening hours, the risk of increased crime-related incidents and anti-social behavior, such as vandalism, and underage drinking and smoking. They stated there would be increased noise from people and traffic. People would loiter outside the premises; and there would be problems with bins and litter. Concerns were raised about traffic from deliveries and customers, together with parking problems and road traffic concerns for children. The objectors believed that children would be exposed to alcohol related inappropriate behavior and students could be enticed to purchase vapes and alcohol. The objectors stated that there are three other licensed premises within the local area and a further licensed premises was not needed or necessary. The objectors also stated that the issues arising from the premises could further stretch police resources.

The objectors also raised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.