Agenda and minutes

The Sub-Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 2(1)) concerning Licensing Application 13/00192/LQN in respect of Martin’s, 11 High Street, Lambourn, Hungerford, RG17 8XL.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Amanda Ward (Licensing Officer, West Berkshire Council) and David Crank (Applicant’s Solicitor) addressed the Sub-Committee on this application.

Ms Ward, in addressing the Sub-Committee, raised the following points:

·               The Licensing Authority received an application for a new premises licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003. The applicant was Martin McColl Limited.

·               The application sought to add the Regulated Activity of the Sale of Alcohol off the premises between the hours of 0530 to 2300 Monday through to Sunday. The proposed opening times of the premises were 0530 until 2300.

·               The consultation period ran from 28 January 2013 until the 24 February 2013. The application had been advertised by placing a Blue Notice at the premise and by advertising in the Newbury Weekly News on 31 January 2013.

·               During the statutory consultation period of 28 days representations were received from:

·      Thames Valley Police - a Responsible Authority

·      Lambourn Parish Council

·      Mildred Reith – Resident

·      S Y Halifax – Resident

·      Ms D Robinson - Resident

·           Thames Valley Police subsequently advised the Licensing Authority on 6 March 2013 that they had negotiated with the applicant the start time from 0530 to 0800 for the sale of alcohol together with agreed conditions. However, the Licensing Authority did not receive a copy of any agreed conditions. Ms Ward was therefore unable to confirm any conditions put forward by the Police. In addition, the Licensing Authority had not received any confirmation from the applicant that conditions or a later start date had been agreed. The Thames Valley Police Licensing Officer would not be attending today’s Sub-Committee.

In response to a question from Councillor Paul Bryant, Amanda Ward confirmed that there were two other local off licences in the vicinity of the premise but could not confirm their opening times.

Mr Crank, in addressing the Sub-Committee, raised the following points:

·           He was able to provide the conditions agreed with Thames Valley Police and believed that they had been sent to West Berkshire Council by the Police.

Ella Whitehead confirmed the Sub-Committee was able to consider the draft conditions and the Sub-Committee was adjourned to allow Members time to read them. Mr Crank also took the opportunity to review the representations received in full.

Mr Crank, in continuing to address the Sub-Committee, raised the following points:

·           Martin McColl Ltd was a national company which operated many premises licensed to sell alcohol. Martin McColl Ltd was in the process of upgrading its stores for the greater convenience of its customers which included the sale of alcohol in a wider number of stores.

·           Approval of the application would require the employment of an additional individual.

·           The representations had been noted, but it was hoped that the operating schedule that the company would adhere to would alleviate concerns and be in line with the Licensing Act’s four  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.