The Licensing Act Sub Committee of Cheshire West and Chester Council met on Tuesday 25 June 2024 to discuss an application for a premises licence for AK Food and Wine. The committee decided to grant the licence with specific conditions to address concerns raised by local residents and businesses.

Application for a Premises Licence: AK Food and Wine

The primary agenda item was the application for a premises licence under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 for AK Food and Wine. The applicant sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises from 08:00 to 23:00, seven days a week.

Concerns from Local Residents and Businesses

Several local residents and business owners expressed concerns about the potential for increased noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour if the licence were granted. One resident stated, The area already suffers from late-night disturbances, and adding another outlet selling alcohol will only exacerbate the problem. Another business owner highlighted the potential negative impact on their trade due to increased foot traffic and related disturbances.

Committee's Decision and Conditions

After considering the representations, the committee decided to grant the licence but imposed several conditions to mitigate the concerns raised. These conditions included:

• Installation of CCTV cameras both inside and outside the premises.
• Implementation of a strict Challenge 25 policy to prevent underage sales.
• Regular litter patrols around the premises to ensure cleanliness.
• Limiting the sale of single cans of alcohol to reduce street drinking.

Councillor Paul Convery, speaking on behalf of the committee, noted, We believe these conditions strike a balance between supporting local business and addressing the valid concerns of the community.

The decision aligns with the council's commitment to promoting responsible alcohol sales while ensuring community safety and well-being.

For more details, you can refer to the agenda frontsheet and the public reports pack for the meeting.