The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Elizabeth Convenience Store. The sub-committee will also discuss the exclusion of the press and public from certain parts of the meeting.

New Premises Licence Application - Elizabeth Convenience Store

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Elizabeth Convenience Store, located at 70 Lower Thrift Street, Northampton, NN1 5HP. The application, submitted by Mr Ashvin Hemachandran, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 6:00 am and 00:00 am, seven days a week.

The report pack indicates that the applicant has applied to be the designated premises supervisor (DPS) and holds a personal licence issued by West Northamptonshire Council. The application was accepted as complete on 30 January 2026.

Consultation on the application took place over 28 days, during which time no representations were received from responsible authorities. However, two representations were received from members of the public. These representations have been attached as Appendix B to the report pack.

The sub-committee has a range of options when determining the application, including granting the licence with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a DPS, or rejecting the application entirely. Any decision must be made with regard to the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The report pack highlights that the decision-making process must be evidence-based, justified, and proportionate, with conditions tailored to the specific characteristics of the premises. The statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003[^1] is to be considered, along with the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026.

The report also outlines the legal implications, including the possibility of an appeal to a Magistrates' Court should any party be aggrieved by the sub-committee's decision.

The public representations raise concerns about the proposed long hours for alcohol sales, particularly in relation to a nearby primary school, Vernon Terrace Primary School. Concerns have also been expressed about potential increases in public nuisance, anti-social behaviour, littering, and parking issues in the residential area. One representation notes that the building was formerly a private club, the Northampton R.A.O.B. Club, which closed in April 2024, and questions whether a licence can be sought for a store that does not yet exist.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda also includes an item regarding the potential exclusion of the press and public from the meeting. This would be considered if the sub-committee believes that exempt information, as defined by Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972[^2], would be disclosed if they were present. The decision to exclude would be made if the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.