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 as Part I and would be considered in public.

None.

INTRODUCTION

Mark McDermott, Licensing Officer, introduced the application for a new Premises Licence in respect of the proposed Curry Corner, off-licence, 24-32 Fairfield Road, West Drayton, UB7 8EX. Officers summarised that the proposal was to authorise the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, Monday to Sunday from 07:00 hours to 23:00 hours, with opening times also of Monday to Sunday from 07:00 hours to 23:00 hours. It was noted that four representations had been received, three from local residents and one from Ward Councillor Punja. The applicant had agreed conditions with the Licensing Authority and Police that had been relayed to the objectors to see if these would allay their concerns but they had decided to maintain their objections. Officers further highlighted that there had been no Members Enquiries or Police Reports. The Sub-Committee were invited to determine the application.

THE APPLICANT

Mr and Mrs Uthayashankar, as applicants, noted that this was the first time they had made an application of this type, and that their application was to open part of the premises as an off-licence. It was highlighted that Curry Corner was the former name of the site, and that the applicants had purchased the premises prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening during this time had made business difficult, and the business was struggling initially. Alcohol sales often acted as a lifeline for other similar businesses. The site currently held an A1 retail license, and so the applicants now needed an alcohol licence. The applicants also noted that they had been in discussions with the Police and Licencing Authority, receiving advice on the process. It was noted that there was a residence above the premises and further noted that the applicant’s cousin would be the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), who currently held a Personal Licence. There would be a total of five staff working at the site. The applicants further noted that training would be undertaken in relation to, for example, not selling alcohol to minors and not selling alcohol in open containers. It was noted that the off-licence would be only part of the business, along with selling groceries.

Members queried the early start time of the requested licence, and that there was a concern relating to underage/ school children. The applicants noted that the early opening time was in order to sell groceries, not specifically alcohol. The applicants were happy to agree to a new condition of amended licensable activities times of 10:00-23:00.

INTERESTED PARTIES

Ms Paula Stratford, a local resident who had submitted an objection to the proposal, addressed the Sub-Committee. It was noted that they had been a resident of the area for around 35 years and lived very close to the site. There were already five premises selling alcohol in the vicinity, and residents often had to clear up rubbish, bottles and cans from these other establishments. It was noted that people often sat in their vehicles drinking by the green, which often lead to anti-social behaviour, littering and damage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.