Agenda item

The licensing officer reported that the applicant had agreed to amend the application in line with planning approved hours for the sale of alcohol until 10.30pm.  This would mean that late night refreshment would be deleted from the application and recorded music was also withdrawn.

Residents were pleased that the hours were now the only item under consideration. The residents stated that the sale of alcohol in the area was an issue and there were substance abuse and alcohol problems in the area both day and night.  There were two business outlets that already sold alcohol locally and one resident stated that he did not think that another shop that sold alcohol was a good thing. It was stated that the shop was in a dark corner and a business open late at night would change the atmosphere of the area. There was a constant number of people drinking alcohol outside. It was considered that there would be an increase in graffiti and litter. There would be an increase in people coming to the area and there would be more undesirable activity. It was also stated that many of the apartments were rented and so the occupiers had not made objections to the application.

The applicant stated that alcohol would only be sold with food. Since they had operated in the area they had seen a drop in the number of drunk people. The area was always lit and cleaned regularly. They worked with residents and would not allow drunk behaviour or sell alcohol without food. She considered that they had changed the area for the better since they had been in operation. Residents could talk to her directly about any issues.  This was not an off licence.

In response to questions, the applicant agreed to conditions that required a minimum spend on food with alcohol for deliveries and also the use of non-motorised vehicles. The applicant said that there was a public rubbish bin outside which staff cleaned and she swept the area every morning and evening.

In summary, the residents stated they were not comfortable with premises that sold alcohol although it was appreciated that alcohol was sold with food in this instance. Their concern was the late hours. Although they trusted these applicants they considered that problems arose which would be outside their control e.g. people inside their cars with food and alcohol.

The applicant stated that she would not allow drunken behaviour. She had managed a premises previously and was aware of the licensing regulations and would not sell to drunk people.  They were open to suggestions and could work with residents if they had any concerns.

RESOLVED that the application for a new premises licence in respect of Chippy on the Corner, 480 Caledonian Road, N7 9RP be granted:-

1)         To allow the sale of alcohol, on and off supplies, Monday to Sundays from 9am until 10.30pm.

2)         The premises to be open to the public, Mondays to Sundays from 9am to 11.00pm.

Conditions detailed on pages 77 and 78 of the agenda shall be applied to the licence with the following additions:-

·       All deliveries shall be made by non-motorised vehicles.

·       Deliveries of alcohol from these premises shall be with sales of food at a minimum amount of £10 and above only.

Reasons for Decision

This meeting was facilitated by Zoom.

The Sub-Committee listened to all the evidence and submissions and read all the material. The Sub-Committee reached the decision having given consideration to the Licensing Act 2003, as amended, and its regulations, the national guidance and the Council’s Licensing Policy.

Three local resident objections had been received.  Representations had been made by the responsible authorities and proposed conditions agreed.

The Sub-Committee noted the reduced hours proposed by the applicant to be in line with the planning permission granted and to provide for a drinking up time of 30 minutes. The Sub-Committee also noted that the hours sought were within the framework hours specified in licensing policy 6.

The Sub-Committee noted the representations from two local residents in attendance at the hearing. They were concerned about the sale of alcohol from the premises and the potential for increased litter in the area. The Sub-Committee were satisfied that the applicant would provide the highest standard of management in accordance with Licensing Policy 8 and that the concerns of residents would be addressed and the licensing objectives promoted.

The Sub-Committee noted that the applicant agreed to additional conditions for the provision of deliveries by electric bike and deliveries of off sales with food with a minimum spend.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that granting the premises licence was proportionate and appropriate to the promotion of the licensing objectives.