The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Elizabeth Convenience Store. The meeting's agenda also included a discussion on the exclusion of the press and public for certain items.

New Premises Licence Application: Elizabeth Convenience Store

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Elizabeth Convenience Store, located at 70 Lower Thrift Street, Northampton, NN1 5HP. The application, submitted by Mr Ashvin Hemachandran, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.

The proposed operating hours for the sale of alcohol were from 06:00 to 00:00, seven days a week. The applicant, who also holds a personal licence, intended to be the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). The report pack indicated that the premises was formerly a club and was undergoing renovation to become a local convenience store.

The report detailed that no representations were received from responsible authorities. However, two representations were received from members of the public. These representations raised concerns about the proposed long operating hours for alcohol sales, particularly in proximity to Vernon Terrace Primary School. Objections also cited potential increases in public nuisance, anti-social behaviour, littering, and exacerbation of existing traffic and parking issues in the residential area. Concerns were also raised about the need for such extended hours given the availability of other retail outlets selling alcohol nearby.

The sub-committee was to determine the application in accordance with section 18 of the Licensing Act 2003¹, having 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 outlined the potential steps the sub-committee could take, including granting the licence with conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a DPS, or rejecting the application.

The report also referenced the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026² and statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003³, which emphasise that decisions should be evidence-based, proportionate, and tailored to the specific premises and activities.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda included an item regarding the potential exclusion of the press and public from the meeting. This was to be considered under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972⁴, should the sub-committee decide that exempt information, as defined by Schedule 12A of the Act, would likely be disclosed if the public and press were present. The report indicated that the public interest in maintaining the exemption would be weighed against the public interest in disclosing the information.