The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee of Durham County Council met on Friday 29 May 2026 to consider an application for a new Premises Licence. The primary item on the agenda was an application for a licence for 61 High Street, Willington, Crook, Co Durham, DL15 0PF.

Application for a Premises Licence at 61 High Street, Willington

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new Premises Licence for 61 High Street, Willington, Crook, Co Durham, DL15 0PF. The applicant, Mr Ravichandran Sivaguru, Director of Your Local Food and Wine Limited, had initially requested permission to supply alcohol for consumption off the premises between 06:00 and 23:00, seven days a week, with the premises opening from 06:00 to 23:00 daily.

Following mediation with the Environmental Health Department, the requested alcohol supply hours were amended to 07:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday, aligning with the Council's recommended framework hours. Further mediation with Durham Constabulary and Durham Trading Standards resulted in the applicant agreeing to additional conditions being added to the application.

During the consultation period, two representations opposing the application were received: one from a local resident and business owner, Mr R B Nagubadi, and another from Greater Willington Town Council. The Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Planning Department confirmed they had no comments, and Durham Constabulary raised no objections after the proposed conditions were amended.

The report pack outlined several options for the Sub-Committee, including granting the licence with conditions, modifying conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The Sub-Committee was recommended to give appropriate weight to steps that promote the licensing objectives, representations from all parties, the Durham County Council Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Mr Nagubadi, who operates the Willington Post Office and holds a premises licence for alcohol sales from 08:00 to 22:00, expressed concerns about fairness and consistency, the potential impact on his livelihood, the perceived lack of necessity for another alcohol vendor given existing provisions, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and public nuisance with early morning sales. He specifically questioned the appropriateness of a 07:00 start time, suggesting an 08:00 start would better support licensing objectives.

Greater Willington Town Council also raised concerns, noting that the application was discussed at their monthly meeting on 9th April 2026. Their objections focused on the potential for increased public drinking, littering, anti-social behaviour, and public safety issues due to more people gathering and increased traffic. They also highlighted concerns about children witnessing inappropriate behaviour and the risk of underage access to alcohol.

The report pack included detailed appendices outlining the application, mediation agreements, representations received, and relevant policy documents. The Durham County Council Statement of Licensing Policy¹ emphasises the importance of promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. It outlines expectations for licensees regarding staff training, management practices, and measures to mitigate negative impacts on the community. The guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003² provides further direction on how licensing authorities should approach these objectives.