The Buckinghamshire Council Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application for a new premises licence for Burnham Local, located at 31 High Street, Burnham, Slough, SL1 7JD. The committee decided to grant the licence, subject to mandatory conditions, conditions consistent with the operating schedule submitted by the applicant, and additional conditions to address concerns raised during the hearing. These conditions related to waste management, deliveries, and staff training.

Burnham Local Licence Application

The sub-committee reviewed an application submitted by Kuljit Singh, represented by Mr. Panchal from Personal Licence Courses UK, for a new premises licence for Burnham Local. The application requested permission to sell alcohol off the premises from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 9pm on Sundays, and to open to the public from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 10pm on Sundays.

Sarah Coates, the Licensing Officer, presented a report outlining the application details and representations received. While no objections were received from responsible authorities such as Thames Valley Police, Bucks Fire and Rescue, or Environmental Health, two valid objections were initially received from other persons, with one being withdrawn after amendments to the proposed licensable activity times. The remaining objection raised concerns about potential increases in crime and disorder, public safety issues, and public nuisance.

The committee granted the premises licence, taking into account the Licensing Act 2003, the council's licensing policy, and national guidance. The decision factored in the Human Rights Act 1998, balancing the applicant's rights with those of residents.

Conditions for the Licence

The licence was granted subject to several conditions:

• Mandatory Conditions: These included stipulations from the Licensing Act 2003 regarding the supply of alcohol, responsible promotions, provision of free potable water, age verification policies, and measures for alcoholic drinks.
• Operating Schedule Conditions: These were consistent with the applicant's submitted schedule and included measures related to staff training, CCTV, intruder alarms, incident logs, responsible alcohol purchasing, and the prevention of public nuisance.
• Additional Conditions: Agreed in response to representations made, these included:
  • Ensuring waste receptacles are available for staff and customers.
  • Thorough cleaning of the outside area at the end of each day and as needed during the day.
  • Restricting deliveries to the premises between 8pm and 8am.

External CCTV Camera

During the hearing, Councillor Phil Gomm, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, raised the possibility of installing an external CCTV camera to address concerns about noise and safety outside the premises. However, Rob Banyard, a resident of 31A High Street Burnham, expressed concerns about his privacy, as his front door is located next to the shop.

Alaka Thomlinson, the Council's Legal Advisor, advised against requiring a camera with sound recording capabilities due to potential conflicts with privacy laws and the Information Commissioner's Office.

Ultimately, the panel decided against amending the CCTV condition to include an external camera, citing concerns about disproportionately interfering with the interested party's right to privacy under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act. The panel considered that existing public CCTV in the area, as confirmed by the CCTV supervisor of Buckinghamshire Council, sufficiently addressed concerns about crime and disorder.

Objections Raised

Mr. Banyard, the objector, raised concerns about potential noise nuisance, citing previous instances of disregarded noise complaints during renovations. He suggested limiting alcohol sales to between 10am and 8pm, similar to other shops in the area. However, Ms. Coates clarified that other licensed premises in the area have later permitted hours, although they may choose to close earlier.

Mr. Banyard also voiced concerns about the potential impact of extended hours on the local area and urged the committee to consider the impact that long hours of this business may have on the local area, and to hope that the licensee themselves is significantly more responsive in the future to concerns about noise and other complaints.

Additional Considerations

Councillor Shade Adoh asked how the applicant would ensure neighbours' needs are looked after, particularly concerning renovations and potential noise. Mr. Panchal assured the committee that renovations would be internal and that Mr. Singh understood and would comply with environmental laws and noise conditions.

Councillor Michael Collins raised concerns about potential parking and highway issues due to increased footfall. However, Ms. Thomlinson advised that parking had not been raised as an issue under any of the licensing objectives and should not be considered.

The issue of selling single cans of alcohol was discussed, with concerns raised about potential loitering. Mr. Panchal stated that there was no condition agreed with the police regarding this, as the area is affluent and does not have a significant street drinking problem.