The Assistant Director Waste, Fleet and Transport Services will present a report (Document “J”) which outlines an application for variation to extend permitted hours for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises at Bolton Road Convenience Store, Unit 4, 1107 Bolton Road, Bradford BD2 4ST.

Recommended –

Members are invited to consider the information and documents referred to in this report and, after hearing interested parties, determine the related application.

(Melanie McGurk – 01274 431873)

APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE AT BOLTON ROAD CONVENIENCE STORE, UNIT 4, 1107 BOLTON ROAD, BRADFORD, BD2 4ST

Commenced: 1130

Adjourned:     1140

Reconvened: 1145

Concluded:     1150

Parties to the Hearing:

Members of the Panel:

Councillors Slater (Chair), Nazam & Winnard

Applicant:

Mr T Iqbal

Representations:

The Assistant Director Waste, Fleet and Transport Services presented a report (Document “J”) which outlined an application for variation to extend a premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises at Bolton Road Convenience Store, Unit 4, 1107 Bolton Road, Bradford BD2 4ST.

The report revealed that a representation had been received from Environmental Health raising concerns about potential noise disturbance.  Members were advised that the representation had been withdrawn.

Members were also advised that the application had been scheduled for consideration at previous meetings and the applicant had requested that consideration be deferred to allow him to obtain legal representation at those times.

The applicant addressed the meeting and confirmed that he took the representations very seriously and did not want to upset his neighbours by causing noise disturbance. He maintained that he got on well with his neighbours and he reported that they would always approach him if they had any concerns. 

In response to a question from the Chair the applicant described the location of the premises; its proximity to residents’ homes and other local businesses.

The current trading hours of the premises were questioned and the applicant explained that the premises were open from between 6 to 7am and 10.30pm. He explained he did intend to open for 24 hours to compete with other premises in the area and in response to requests from customers. 

Members questioned the nature of the business and it was explained that it was operated as a convenience store selling general groceries, tobacco and alcohol.  It was queried if there had been any issues which had arisen with the current licence and the applicant confirmed that there had not been any problems and if any arose he would deal with them accordingly.  

The applicant, in response to a question from a Member, confirmed he was confident that he had the systems and personnel in place to manage the store effectively.  Following questions about the number of alcohol sales made in the last three years after 10pm which had resulted in disturbance to residents he reported that he was not aware of that ever being the case.  He confirmed that he did not work at night but visited the premises through the day and did speak to customers and staff.  There had been no reports of any anti-social behaviour occurring after customers had purchased alcohol. 

The Council’s Legal Officer questioned if there were Challenge 25 procedures in place at the premises and the applicant confirmed that there was staff training in place and no issues had been raised. 

In conclusion the applicant confirmed that he felt that he had been given the opportunity to say all he that wished in support of his application.

Decision –

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 the Licensee shall ensure that premises staff monitor, on a frequent basis, noise emanating from the premises to ensure that neighbouring residents are not disturbed.

2.    That the Licensee shall ensure that the external areas around the perimeter of the premises are kept clear of litter and refuse.

3.    That prominent signs be displayed at all public exits to the premises requesting patrons to be quiet on leaving and entering.

Reason – it is considered that the above conditions are necessary to
minimise noise disturbance to nearby residents – prevention of
public nuisance objective and to deter and ameliorate any anti-social behaviour – prevention of public nuisance objective.

ACTION: Assistant Director, Waste, Fleet and Transport Services