Agenda and minutes

Councillor Bardoe was proposed, seconded and duly elected Chairman of the meeting.

To receive declarations of interest from Members including the terms(s) of the Grant of Dispensation (if any) by the Audit Board or Managing Director.

There were no urgent items for the sub - committee to consider.

The Chairman introduced Members present and called upon others present to identify themselves.  He then explained to the parties that the Sub-Committee intended to follow the procedure detailed in the Licensing Sub-Committee Rules of Procedure, circulated as item 6 to the agenda.

The Licensing Manager, Ms Philpott, introduced her report on the application for a variation of the licence at this property to allow on sales in addition to the currently held licence for off sales. 

The Chairman took the opportunity to draw Members’ attention to the additional information that had been provided by the Police Service - in the form of photographs of the premises, and a plan of the premises, which had been requested by a Member.

The Chairman then introduced Mrs Jurate Iesalniece who spoke in support of her application.

The applicant explained that she was attempting to increase the income generation of her shop, the Universal Food and Alcohol stores in Dartford by providing a small bar area in the rear of the shop which it was proposed would sell imported draught beers to a small client base.

Mrs Iesalniece attempted to rebut the evidence being submitted by the Police Service in photo form suggesting that these showed the current situation and that things would be altered should she obtain her license.

The Chairman then asked the North Kent Police Service to explain why they felt that the premises were not suitable for the proposed variation.

Police Constable Clare Cossor reported that the premises were a small shop and within its proximity were a number of other licenced outlets and in an area frequented by street drinkers. 

A bar within this premise would provide a dangerous addition to the convenience store as items on display in the shop could be used as weapons, the format of the premises would expose children to the bar area and its patrons as it was not segregated from the shop and, as it operates as a convenience store, children could be coming into the shop without adult supervision, and[KW1]  the current staff levels in the premises did not reflect the need for safety and security at all times.

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Officer Cossor continued that the proposed position of the bar and the current advertising on the shop windows would shield it from public sight and that should disorder occur then members of the public would be unable to observe and summon assistance.

Ms Cossor added that the premises had been granted an off sales licence recently and that there had been observed contravention of the terms of that licence, and additionally the premises did not seem to suitable for the sale of alcohol for consumption.

In response to the points raised the applicant stated that

·         An additional member of staff would be employed for periods when the bar was open

·         The toilet facilities were due to be improved if the licence variation was approved

·         Draught beer only was to be provided with no sale of canned beer, any spirits supplied would be served from proper dispensing measures.

·         She would operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to street drinkers and drug users

·         She would ensure that drinks were served in appropriate, toughened drinks receptacles

At the conclusion of the questions the Chairman  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.