The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for a convenience store in Chislehurst. The committee will review the application for High Street Mini Mart, which includes objections from local residents.

New Premises Licence Application for High Street Mini Mart

The primary item scheduled for discussion is a new premises licence application for High Street Mini Mart, located at 26 High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AN. The application seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM, seven days a week.

The report pack indicates that the committee will consider the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003¹ and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030. The committee has several options, including granting the application as submitted, granting it with amendments or additional conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, or refusing the application entirely.

Objections have been received from four members of the public. These objections raise concerns regarding the proposed hours of operation, particularly the early start time of 6:00 AM and the late finish of 11:00 PM. Objectors highlight potential issues such as increased anti-social behaviour, littering, noise, and the impact on the local community and the Chislehurst Conservation Area. One objection specifically notes that the proposed Sunday hours would be longer than those currently permitted for alcohol sales at a nearby Sainsbury's supermarket.

The report pack also details conditions that have been agreed upon between the applicant and the Metropolitan Police. These conditions include the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, the adoption of a 'challenge 25' scheme for alcohol sales, comprehensive staff training on age-restricted sales and refusal procedures, the maintenance of an incident register, and a refusals log. Additionally, there is a condition that beer, lager, and cider above 6.5% ABV shall not be sold, except for premium, specialist, or imported products.

The committee will also consider the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030 and statutory guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. The report pack mentions that the application is for a convenience store and that the proposed licensable activity is the sale or supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises.

¹ The Licensing Act 2003 is the primary legislation governing the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment in England and Wales. It aims to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.