The Interim Assistant Director Waste, Fleet and Transport Services will present a report (Document “V”) which outlines an application for a new Premises Licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises at Selfish Spirits Company, Unit 10, 42a Nelson Road, Ilkley, LS29 8HN

Members are invited to consider the information and documents referred to in Document “V” and, after hearing interested parties, determine the related application.

(Melanie McGurk – 01274 431873)

RECORD OF A HEARING FOR A PREMISES LICENCE FOR THE SALE OF ALCHOL FOR CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES AT SELFISH SPIRITS COMPANY, UNIT 10, 42a NELSON ROAD, ILKLEY LS29 8HN.

Commenced: 1005

Adjourned: 1025

Reconvened 1045

Concluded: 1050

PRESENT

Members of the Bradford District Licensing Panel

Councillors Slater (Ch), Love and Green

Applicant

Mr F Harman

Representations

The Interim Assistant Director Waste, Fleet and Transport Services presented a report (Document “V”) which outlined an application for the grant of a new Premises Licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises at Selfish Spirits Company.

It was explained that two representations had been received from local residents which raised concerns that the proposed opening hours seven days a week would increase the amount of traffic to and from the area causing noise and disturbance.  They were also concerned that the use of the premises for distribution or as a depot would attract more frequent traffic activity and more frequent visits to the site than just storage. Members were advised that since that time and following email correspondence with the applicant one of the representations had been withdrawn.

The applicant addressed the meeting and confirmed that he had communicated with local residents in an endeavour to address their concerns and he had provided them with a copy of his business plan to allow them to understand his methods of operation.  He reported that the premises would be used as a storage facility and that alcohol would only be sold online with no customers visiting the premises.  He would collect orders from the storage unit and take them to the post office for delivery. 

A plan of the area was included in the agenda and the applicant confirmed the location and size of his premises.

In response to questions from the Panel and the Council’s Legal Advisor it was reported that spiced rum was the only product which the company currently marketed but that could change depending on potential demand.  The hours of operation sought had been chosen to allow the applicant to collect the products for delivery when required. 

It was explained that goods could be purchased at any time on line, however, the times which the applicant would be using the premises would be between 8am and 10pm.

In response to discussions about issues raised by those making representations about the planning permission for the premises the applicant was explained that he had discussed the issue with the landlord of the units and was advised that the condition that the units must not be used for the distribution of goods referred to large retail operators and did not apply to persons distributing their own products. It was confirmed that other units in the same location were also used for storage of alcohol.

The delivery of alcohol to the premises was questioned and it was explained that this would be delivered by van and the number of deliveries would be dependent on the level of sales.  It was confirmed that the applicant would be the only person working on the premises.

Measures taken to prevent sales to underage children were questioned and the applicant reported age verification checks in place at the company which would deliver the orders to customers. 

Decisions

That having considered all valid representations made by the parties to the hearing; valid written representations received during the statutory period, the published statement of licensing policy and relevant statutory guidance; the panel grants the application subject to the following conditions -

1.    That an appropriate proof of age policy, incorporating the principles of the “Challenge 25” Campaign be implemented; incorporating measures to ensure that any patron wishing to purchase alcohol who may reasonably appear to be under 25 years of age are asked to prove that they are at least 18 years old by displaying evidence of their identity and age in the form of a valid UK passport, new style driving licence displaying their photograph or PASS identification.

2.    All sales of alcohol shall be remotely ordered and pre booked for delivery and there shall be no direct sales or collections by the purchaser from the premises.

3.    No collection of alcohol shall be made from the premises before 8am and after 10pm.

Reason – It is considered that the above conditions are necessary to ensure compliance with the Protection of Children from harm and the Public Nuisance objective of the Licensing Act.

ACTION: Interim Director, Waste, Fleet and Transport Services