The Licensing Sub Committee is scheduled to consider two applications for the grant of premises licences. These applications relate to businesses seeking to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshment.

Application for Premises Licence: Smoke UK, Llanrumney

The committee is scheduled to review an application for a Premises Licence for Smoke UK, located at 32 Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney, Cardiff, CF3 5SJ. The applicant, Shahrami Ahmedi, is seeking permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 07:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The premises are described as a local mini-market offering convenience items.

Representations have been received from South Wales Police and a local ward Councillor, Councillor Lexi Pocknell, who is the Councillor for Llanrumney¹. While South Wales Police initially objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder, public nuisance, and protecting children from harm, they have withdrawn their objection after the applicant agreed to proposed conditions. These conditions include the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, the implementation of a Challenge 25 policy, staff training on age-restricted sales, the use of an incident book, and restrictions on alcohol sales such as only selling in sealed containers and not offering home delivery.

Councillor Pocknell's representation raises concerns about the potential exacerbation of existing issues with anti-social behaviour, noise, disturbance, and loitering in the Countisbury Avenue parade. She highlights that the area already has premises licensed to sell alcohol and that an additional outlet could lead to an over-concentration of alcohol provision and intensify existing problems.

The report pack details the proposed operating schedule and conditions designed to promote the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. These include measures such as displaying notices asking customers to leave quietly, managing deliveries and waste collections to minimise disturbance, and ensuring staff are trained to refuse sales to intoxicated individuals or those suspected of buying for underage persons.

Application for Premises Licence: Pepe's Piri Piri, Cathays

The committee is also scheduled to consider an application for a Premises Licence for Pepe's Piri Piri, located at 49 Salisbury Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4AB. Ibbi Foods Ltd has applied for a licence to provide late-night refreshment, with the premises operating as a restaurant and takeaway. The proposed hours for this activity are Monday to Sunday, from 23:00 to 03:00. The applicant states that the premises do not sell alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or any other age-restricted goods, and aims to provide a safe, family-friendly environment.

Representations have been received from South Wales Police and the Pollution Control department. South Wales Police initially objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm. Their concerns relate to the Cathays area, which is popular with students and can experience alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. The police have proposed conditions including the installation of a CCTV system, the use of an incident logbook, a restriction on customers under 16 being on the premises after 23:00 unless accompanied by an adult, and a requirement for all public areas to be 'glass free' during opening hours.

The Pollution Control department has raised an objection on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. They note that the premises are located in a densely populated mixed-use and residential area, with accommodation directly above and adjoining. The department's concern is that extending trading hours until 03:00 daily is incompatible with the local environment and could lead to increased noise and disturbance from customers, delivery drivers, and vehicle movements, particularly during times when residents would expect a quiet environment. They also state that the application does not provide adequate detail on how late-night noise, customer dispersal, and waste management will be handled.

The report pack outlines the applicant's proposed operating schedule and conditions, which include maintaining CCTV, monitoring customer behaviour, ensuring compliance with fire and health and safety legislation, managing queues and litter, and maintaining a family-friendly environment.