Buckinghamshire Council's Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for the New York Deli in Aylesbury. The sub-committee heard arguments for and against the application, and ultimately decided to grant the licence, subject to conditions.

New York Deli Licensing Application

The sub-committee considered an application by New York Deli, Aylesbury Limited, for a new premises licence for its restaurant located in the Friar Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury. The application seeks permission to sell alcohol on the premises between 11:00 and 22:00 every day, with opening hours from 08:30 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 to 22:00 on Sundays.

Objections and Concerns

During the consultation period, the council received one objection from Aylesbury Town Council, represented by Councillor Chris Hendren, raising concerns about the potential for crime, disorder, public nuisance, and harm to children. The town council's concerns stemmed from the potential for drunk and disorderly behaviour in a family establishment located within a busy shopping centre. Councillor Chris Hendren clarified that the objection was a committee decision, not his personal opinion.

Applicant's Case

Andrew George, the applicant, explained that the licence was sought to enhance the menu and customer experience, with plans to introduce items like chicken wings and nachos to complement the alcohol offerings. He also mentioned requests for alcoholic beverages like mimosas during breakfast service.

Andrew George also addressed the extended hours requested in the application, stating that there were potential changes coming to the shopping centre that would extend its opening hours, and he wanted to be prepared for those changes.

So what I understand is that there's some changes taking place in the shopping centre, if I'm completely honest to you. So that's, that's going to, they're going to, they're planning to extend the hours off the shopping centre.

Conditions and Safeguards

To address the concerns raised, Andrew George offered several conditions to be added to the licence, including:

• Staff training in the promotion of licensing objectives and awareness of local alcohol-related issues, with documented refresher training every six months.
• Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system, with recordings stored for a minimum of 31 days and made available to the police or authorised officers upon request.
• Display of notices indicating opening hours and operating hours for the sale of alcohol.
• Adherence to relevant health and safety and fire legislation.
• Ensuring a trained first aider is on shift at all times the premises is open to the public.
• Displaying notices at all exits requesting patrons to respect local residents and businesses and leave the area quietly.
• Operation of a Challenge 25[^1] proof-of-age scheme, with clear signage and a record of refused sales. [^1]: Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (a card bearing the PASS hologram, a photocard driving licence or a passport) if they are to buy alcohol.

Andrew George also agreed to implement a dedicated phone line for complaints, organised through the centre manager, to provide a direct link to security in case of any issues.

Licensing Officer's Assessment

Kerryann Ashton, the Licensing Officer for Buckinghamshire Council, confirmed that Thames Valley Police and Bucks Fire had raised no objections to the application. She also noted that the applicant had been responsive to the concerns raised and had offered additional conditions to promote the licensing objectives.

Decision

After considering the evidence and representations, the sub-committee decided to grant the premises licence to New York Deli, subject to the conditions outlined in the report and the additional condition offered by the applicant regarding a dedicated phone line for complaints.