The Sub-Committee agreed to grant a new premises licence to K A Corner Supermarket at 96 Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow after hearing representations from the applicant and their agent. The Sub-Committee also placed two extra conditions on the licence; staff must monitor the shop frontage to prevent customers from loitering, and they must provide residents with a phone number to contact the designated premises supervisor, Mr Tayfun Sar.

K A Corner Supermarket, 96 Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow

The meeting was to consider an application for a new premises licence for K A Corner Supermarket, 96 Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow, allowing the shop to sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

20 local people wrote to the council to object to the application. They argued that another off-licence on the road was unnecessary, and would cause crime, disorder, noise, and traffic problems. Objectors noted that there are already several shops nearby that sell alcohol, including a recently opened Budgens. Some objectors expressed concern about the shop's proximity to Frederick Bremer School, and others were worried about the impact on residents of the supported accommodation in Brookscroft Road.

None of the Responsible Authorities – including the police – submitted objections to the application.

Mr Graham Hopkins, the agent for the applicant, argued that because no Responsible Authorities had objected, their expert officers were happy that the application would not cause problems. He said that Mr Sar has over 20 years experience in the alcohol trade in various locations, and has never had trouble with the police. Mr Sar has held a personal licence for 8 years, and has a good record.

The hours applied for are not excessive and the Applicant has worked with the Police and agreed robust conditions.

Mr Hopkins added that the applicant had invited local residents to contact him to discuss the application, and that a new condition had been proposed to prevent street drinking.

Mr Sar told the meeting that he would be working at the shop most of the time, alongside his wife and a few members of staff. He said that in addition to alcohol, his shop would sell groceries, ice cream, pet food, and other items. He confirmed that he would prevent customers from congregating outside of the shop, and would call the police if necessary.

The Sub-Committee agreed to grant the licence, arguing that the agreed conditions would be enough to promote the licensing objectives. They were satisfied that Mr Sar would run the business responsibly, and pointed out that the opening hours applied for are in line with other off-licences. They added that the Responsible Authorities are experts in their field, and noted that the Home Office advises Licensing Committees to defer to the police on matters of crime and disorder.

The Sub-Committee were mindful of the representations made by Other Persons and considered their reasons for objecting to the application. However, there was no evidence to suggest that ASB, public safety issues, crime and disorder, public nuisance or harm to children will arise from the premises.

The decision can be appealed to Thames Magistrates Court within 21 days.