Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That Councillor Lawrance be appointed Chair.

COUNCILLOR LAWRANCE IN THE CHAIR

None.

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Groszek European Market, 36 Lowesmoor, Worcester WR1 2SG.

At the start of the meeting, the Chair made the following statement:

“Presentations to the Sub-Committee are not given under oath. However, I would like to remind all parties that the highest standards are expected and any deviation from these high standards could possibly influence any decision of the Sub-Committee.”

All parties at the hearing were introduced. The applicant, Ms Kwiatek confirmed she was aware of her right to have legal representation at the meeting but had chosen not to. She was represented by a Licensing Consultant, June Clarke. Ms Kwiatek confirmed she was satisfied with the proposed procedure.

The Senior Practitioner – Licensing presented the report on behalf of Worcestershire Regulatory Services. The Senior Practitioner – Licensing explained that WRS received an application for a premises licence on 21 March 2022 from Ms Kwiatek, in respect of Groszek European Market. The applicant applied for the following licensable activities:

MsKwiatek was the designated premises supervisor identified in the application.

Responsible authorities had been consulted regarding the application. No objections were received. Two representations were received from other persons. The representations related to concerns around crime and disorder and litter as a public nuisance.

In summary, the Senior Practitioner – Licensing explained that in

considering the application, the Sub-Committee should have regard to the

Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. The

Sub-Committee is obliged to determine the application with a view to the

promotion of the licensing objectives which are:

•          the prevention of crime and disorder;

•          public safety;

•          the prevention of public nuisance;

•          the protection of children from harm.

All parties were offered the opportunity to ask questions of the Senior Practitioner – Licensing.

The applicant’s Licensing Consultant explained that measures to address issues raised by the two objectors would be undertaken, if the licence was granted. This included CCTV monitoring and compliance registers, which could be shared with authorities where necessary. The ‘Challenge 25’ initiative would be adopted with staff asking to see customers’ ID when in doubt, before allowing them to purchase alcohol.

In response to specific comments from the objectors, Ms Clarke commented that the owner of the premises could not be held responsible if customers chose to abuse alcohol. She further explained that local shops such as Ms Kwaitek’s served as ‘top up’ shops rather than sources of regular purchasing since their offer was more limited and more expensive than larger local supermarkets.

It was further noted that the responsible authorities, including Police, contacted during the consultation period had raised no concerns regarding anti-social behaviour or public nuisance.

Sub-Committee members asked further questions regarding staff training and sought clarification about staff intervention in the event of anti-social behaviour taking place outside the premises. Ms Clarke confirmed this would be monitored from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.