The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday 07 May 2024. The primary item on the agenda was a variation of a premises licence for Budgens, located at 69 Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow, E17 4EZ. This variation specifically concerned changes to the store's entrance and internal layout.

Variation of Premises Licence: Budgens, 69 Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow, E17 4EZ

The meeting was scheduled to consider an application to vary the existing premises licence for Budgens, a convenience store located at 69 Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow, E17 4EZ. The application proposed changes to the premises plan, specifically the customer entrance and internal layout of the store. The licensable activity times and existing conditions on the licence were not proposed to be altered.

During the consultation period for this variation, two representations were received from other persons. These representations were based on the four licensing objectives: the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.

The report pack indicated that the applicant, Mr Shahid Chaudhry, had met with residents prior to the meeting to discuss their concerns. Following this meeting, Mr Chaudhry proposed several additional conditions and the adoption of a policy requirement to address these concerns. These proposed conditions were detailed in Appendix F of the public reports pack.

The Sub-Committee was asked to consider the application and decide whether to:

• Grant the application in full.
• Grant the application in part.
• Refuse the application.

The report pack also outlined the general principles for licence conditions, emphasising that they must be appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives, precise, enforceable, and tailored to the specific premises. Mandatory conditions applicable to all premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003 were also detailed, covering areas such as the supply of alcohol, door supervision, age verification policies, and responsible drinks promotions.

The report also included background information on the premises licence, which was granted on 15 May 2023, authorising the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 10:00 and 22:00 daily, with premises opening hours from 07:00 to 23:00 daily.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the procedure of the Sub-Committee. There was also a provision for the exclusion of the press and public if exempt information was to be discussed, as per Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Sally Littlejohn, with Councillors Raja Anwar and Councillor Sazimet Palta Imre also serving as voting members of the Sub-Committee. Other attendees included Perminder Purewal, Sherman Xavier, Marc Witham, Sue Sheret, Jennifer Richards, Chris Foxton, Donya Kalantari, and Councillor Louise Mitchell (Portfolio Lead Member - Adults and Health).