Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

It was confirmed that all items of business were marked Part I and would be considered in Public.

None.

Introduction by Licensing Officer:

Steven Dormer, Licensing Officer at the London Borough of Hillingdon, introduced the report and photographs relating to an application for a premises licence in respect of Simply Fresh, Boiler House, Old Vinyl Factory, Blyth Road, Hayes UB3 1HA. The application was for a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol seven days a week from 07:00 to 23:00 hours.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the application related to a modern convenience store which would sell both groceries and alcohol products. The planned store would not be a traditional off licence but would be similar to a supermarket in style; it was reported that there were already several Simply Fresh stores operating around the country. The Sub-Committee was reminded that the amended application sought permission to sell alcohol from 07:00 until 23:00 hours seven days a week rather than from 06:00 until midnight as had originally been requested. Members were advised that representations had been received from three residents but none from responsible authorities. There had been no other complaints or Members' Enquiries received. It was confirmed that the conditions and opening hours proposed satisfied the licensing objectives.

Representation by the Applicant's Representative

The applicant's representative addressed the Sub-Committee pointing out that the licensing hours had been reduced in the revised application and noting that only three residents had made a complaint about the application - no representations had been received from the police or from any other authorities. Members were informed that the store would be well-run in line with all relevant policies and guidelines.

It was confirmed that the new store would be operating as a fresh food store selling alcohol rather than as an off licence and the Sub-Committee heard that the selling of alcohol was not necessarily linked to street drinking. It was confirmed that steps would be taken to ensure that alcohol was not sold to underage individuals. Moreover, notices would be displayed at the premises requesting that customers left quietly at all times. Members were informed that all staff would be trained in the sale of alcohol and would be re-trained and re-tested at regular intervals. A refusals log would be kept, Challenge 25 procedures would be complied with and functioning CCTV systems would be in place within the store.

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee, the applicant's representative confirmed that alcohol would normally be displayed in a fixed area, with the option to create additional displays at other locations within the store on a seasonal basis. It was confirmed that the main display would be clearly visible from the till area and CCTV would cover other areas as required.  The Sub-Committee was advised that circles on the plan in the agenda pack indicated where the CCTV cameras would be sited within the store; monitors would also be present and easily visible throughout.

The Sub-Committee requested further clarification regarding the prevention of public nuisance (page 20 of the pack). It was confirmed that staff would be trained to deal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.