The Licensing Act Panel of Solihull Council convened on Monday 24 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the application for a new premises licence for Friends Express and the review of existing licences. The panel approved the application for Friends Express with specific conditions to address public concerns.

Friends Express Licence Application

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a new premises licence for Friends Express, a convenience store located in Solihull. The applicant sought permission to sell alcohol from 8 am to 11 pm daily. Several residents raised concerns about potential noise and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Paul Convery highlighted the importance of balancing business needs with community welfare. He stated, While we support local businesses, we must ensure that they operate in a manner that respects the community's peace and safety. The panel decided to grant the licence with conditions, including the installation of CCTV, a strict no-sale policy to underage individuals, and a requirement for staff training on responsible alcohol sales.

Review of Existing Licences

The panel also reviewed the compliance of existing licensed premises with current regulations. No significant breaches were reported, but the panel emphasised the importance of ongoing vigilance. Councillor Convery noted, Regular reviews are essential to maintain high standards and ensure public safety.

Public Participation

Residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions during the meeting. One resident, Jane Smith, expressed her concerns about the potential increase in late-night disturbances. She said, We already have issues with noise in the area, and extending alcohol sales could exacerbate the problem. The panel acknowledged these concerns and assured residents that the conditions imposed on Friends Express would mitigate potential issues.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack from the meeting. The official minutes are also available here.