The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Silver Express, a convenience store at 173 Silverdale Road, Tunbridge Wells. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption daily from 7 am to 11 pm. Despite two local resident objections, the committee decided to grant the licence with all proposed conditions.

Premises Licence for Silver Express

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for a new convenience store, to be named Silver Express, located at 173 Silverdale Road, Tunbridge Wells. The application, received on 3 July 2026, requested authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises every day between 7 am and 11 pm, with the same hours for public opening.

During the 28-day public consultation period, two representations were received from local residents objecting to the application. These objections, detailed in Appendix D of the public reports pack¹, primarily focused on concerns related to the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. One objector, Rachel Collins, living opposite the parade of shops, stated, My concern is not simply the addition of another shop, but that increasing the availability of alcohol in an area where there are already ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour is likely to make these problems worse. ² Elizabeth Fraser, another resident, echoed these concerns, highlighting existing issues with public drinking, litter, and obstruction of footpaths, and arguing that the proposed mitigation measures were insufficient.

However, no representations were received from any of the responsible authorities, including the police. Mr. Frank Fender, representing the applicant, Mrs. Neeraja Jayaraja, highlighted that the applicant had 12 years of experience selling alcohol and a clean track record with no issues at her previous licensed premises in Gravesend and Canterbury. He also noted that need is not a consideration for licensing. Need is dealt with by market forces. Not not licensing. ³ The applicant proposed a robust operating schedule with conditions designed to promote the licensing objectives, including CCTV, staff training, a Challenge 25 policy, and an alcohol refusals policy.

After considering the application, the representations, and the applicant's proposed conditions, the Sub-Committee, with advice from their legal advisor, Helen Ward, decided to grant the application as applied for, including all conditions in the operating schedule. The written decision, which will be circulated, will contain the reasons for this decision and information on how to appeal. The meeting concluded at 11:01 am.