The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for 88 Ryhope Road, Sunderland. The application seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, with proposed operating hours that have generated significant public interest and objections.

Premises Licence Application for 88 Ryhope Road, Sunderland

The meeting agenda includes a report concerning an application for a premises licence at 88 Ryhope Road, Sunderland. The application, submitted on 21 September 2026, proposes the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption between 06:00 and 02:00 daily. This application is being considered under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, which governs the granting of premises licences.

The report details that during the 28-day consultation period, eight representations were received from local residents objecting to the application. These objections, detailed in Appendix 4 of the report pack, raise concerns about the potential impact on crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance. Specific concerns include increased antisocial behaviour, noise, litter, and potential issues for vulnerable residents and children due to the premises' proximity to a bus stop and a school.

Northumbria Police initially lodged a holding objection, citing concerns related to crime and disorder. However, following a meeting with the applicant and their agent, David Wilson of A2Z Licensing, and subsequent agreement to amended hours and additional conditions, Northumbria Police have indicated they would withdraw their objection. Environmental Health also initially had concerns but, following the proposed amendments, confirmed they had no objections.

The applicant, Samarth Gakhar, has agreed to several modifications to the original proposal. These include a reduction in the hours for the sale of alcohol to Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 23:30, and Friday to Sunday from 08:00 to 00:30. The premises will close to the public by 23:00 daily, with sales continuing from a serving hatch until the amended closing times. Additional conditions have also been proposed, such as a 'Challenge 25' policy, restrictions on the strength of alcohol sold, and a minimum purchase requirement for certain products. The applicant has also agreed to manage waste and deliveries at reasonable hours and not operate a delivery service.

The Sub-Committee will consider these representations and the proposed amendments when determining the application. The potential steps available to the Sub-Committee include granting the licence with modified conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, or rejecting the application entirely, all in accordance with Section 18 of the Licensing Act 2003. The licensing objectives that the Sub-Committee must consider are: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm.