Now contains additional information submitted by the applicant’s representative.

The Hearing Panel considered a report from the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing concerning an application for a New Premises Licence. The Hearing Panel considered the written papers of the parties submitted and the oral representations of the parties who attended, as well as the relevant legislation.

The applicant’s agent attended the hearing and addressed the Hearing Panel, stating this was the same kind of application as applied for earlier this year in a different location. The agent confirmed that the hours applied for had been reduced after negotiations with the Licensing Out of Hours team. Previously, on the initial application, the premises were looking for 06:00 to 00:00 but had now agreed on 07:00 to 23:00. The premises were always keen to work with the local authorities in this way. It was conveyed to the Hearing Panel that ASDA had 1,000 stores across the country, millions of customers and noted that there had never been any reviews brought against the company, adding that the quality of training and procedures were high. The agent brought the Hearing Panel’s attention to the photo of the proposed premises which was on the ground floor of a residential tower block and would provide goods for residents and hotel users in the vicinity. The premises would provide jobs, all four licensing objectives were covered in the report and there were two personal licence holders employed at this store. There would be refusal logs, Challenge 25, spirits kept in a cabinet, littering controls and all other expectation covered with regard to the licensing objectives. An independent company would run training checks on staff and security would be consulted on, as to whether it was necessary. The store would be en route to the Co-op Live and Etihad arenas. There were no responsible authorities objecting to the application and objections had come from one competitor and two local residents. These objections were not shared by the responsible authorities and the premises had communicated with the objectors in an attempt to meet agreements. It was noted in closing comments that no strong ciders, miniature spirits etc would be sold so as not to encourage street drinking.

In responding to a question from the Hearing Panel, the agent stated that there would not be any cheap alcohol sales/deals.

No objectors attended the hearing to make verbal representations.

In summing up, the agent stated that there was no evidence tabled to justify a refusal, adding that this was a national operator of good repute with a vast experience and clean record.

Decision

To grant the licence subject to agreed conditions:

Trading hours for alcohol sales to be 07:00 to 23:00 Monday to Sunday.