Agenda item

Following objections received, to consider an application for a premises licence for Tesco, Guildford Road, Lightwater, GU18 5SB

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new Premises Licence relating to Tesco, 89-91 Guildford Road, Lightwater. 

The Licensing Officer presented his report to the Sub-Committee and notified representatives of the parties who had a right to speak at the meeting.  He referred Members to the Licensing Objectives and noted that relevant objections had been submitted.

All relevant parties present introduced themselves and stated their reason for attending the Sub-Committee.

The Licensing Officer reported that the “Other Persons” had contended that the carrying on of licensable activities at the premises could lead to the following licensing objectives being seriously undermined:

(i)         The prevention of crime and disorder;

(ii)        Protection of Public Safety;

(iii)       Prevention of Public Nuisance; and

(iv)       Protection of children from harm.

The Licensing Officer reported that the application was for the supply of alcohol off the premises, from 0600 to 2300 daily. The provision of late night refreshment was not included in the application.

Representations had been submitted by Surrey Police. No other Responsible Authorities had submitted representations.

Mr Rab Carney informed the Sub Committee that Surrey Police had made representations as it had been considered that additional conditions were required.  These conditions had now been agreed with the applicant and, as a result, the Police had withdrawn their representation.

Mr Bark, on behalf of the applicant addressed the Sub Committee and explained Tesco’s ethos and it how operated.  Principally the premises were a convenience store and it was estimated that the sale of alcohol would represent 7% to 9% of total sales.  He also described the operation of Tesco’s “Think 25 Policy” and detailed training conducted for all staff in relation to the sale of age related products. 

He referred to the representations made by the Other Persons and noted that need did not have to be taken into account and that there was no cumulative impact policy in place in Lightwater.  There was no evidence that additional litter would result if the licence was granted. He reminded Members that the Police had no concerns in relation to crime and disorder and that traffic generation was not a licensing consideration.  He also emphasised that residents’ fears were different to good evidence. 

The Sub Committee adjourned from 10.45 until 11.25.

Following deliberations on the application, the Legal Advisor reported that she had advised the Sub-Committee in relation to the ethos of the Licensing Act and the written and oral evidence presented at the hearing.

Members recognised that the Licensing Act imposed a light touch approach and encouraged them to allow premises to trade unless there was a reason not to. The Act allowed for review if, at a later stage, it was suggested that any action had resulted in the Licensing Objectives not being met.

The Sub-Committee concluded that the premises licence should be granted with the additional conditions as agreed with Surrey Police, subject to minor amendments.

RESOLVED, that the Premises Licence for Tesco, 89-91 Guildford Road, Lightwater, be granted for the hours of 0600 to 2300 daily, subject to the conditions set out in the Decision Notice at Annex A.