Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting

The Chair opened the meeting and introductions were made.

The minutes of the previous meeting were formally approved as an accurate record.

To receive any apologies for absence

There were apologies for absence from Sally Mcdonald, Licensing Lead Officer.

To receive any declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interests.

The Sub-Committee were required to consider an application to review a premises licence for the following premises:

PSM Express Limited

15 Stoneycroft

Warners End

Hemel Hempstead

HP1 2QE

P Wortley presented the licence application for PSM Express Ltd, noting the applicant as Mr Thiyagarajh. The premises is not currently subject to a premises licence and is located in the shopping precinct in Warner's End, Hemel Hempstead. Prior to the application, the premises was a newsagent and the application authorisation is sought for sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises, Monday to Sunday, 06:00 to 23:00, with the application set out in Appendix A. A plan of the premises is also set out in the document alongside a map of the local area. The period for receipt of representations in respect of the application was 18 May to 15 June with one representation from Cllr Elliot, who represents Chaulden and Warner's End, which is included in the document. The applicant is represented by the Licensing Team.

N Sultan asked if the panel have any questions at this point.

The Chair queried if there are any other licensed premises in the row of shops. P Wortley confirmed that there are. K Knight confirmed that there is a Tesco and Co-Op on the same row of shops. The Chair asked if they have similar licensing hours. It was confirmed that they have similar licensing hours.

Mr Lucan advised that the application was for a new convenience store within a pleasant shopping centre containing a range of shops, a number of which are already licensed and operating without issue. Mr Lucan stated that the application is modest and straightforward in its aims.

Mr Lucan acknowledged the singular representation made by Cllr Elliot, who speculates that the premises will cause additional alcohol-related crimes and create problems within the area. Mr Lucan advised that the burden is on the applicant to show that the proposals in and around the operating schedule are capable of promoting the licensing objectives. Mr Lucan suggested that the sub-committee could only refuse the application if they find evidence that the operating schedule is not capable of promoting the licensing objectives. Mr Lucan stated that the councillor's representation does not contain any evidence that challenges or criticises the operating schedule.

Mr Lucan introduced Mr Thiyagarajh, stating that he speaks very good English and has been selling alcohol from his garage for many years, where he never came to the attention of any responsible authorities. Mr Lucan described Mr Thiyagarajh as a conscientious trader who is hardworking and decent, that he has invested in the local area and intends to be in the area in the long-term.

Mr Lucan noted Cllr Elliot's objection due to perceived crime and ASB (anti-social Behaviour) issues that could adversely affect the elderly who use the shops and that secondary school students could meet undesirable persons. Mr Lucan stated that Cllr Elliot has not responded to the request to negotiate, advising that they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.