The Northumberland Council licensing hearing included a report from Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, regarding an application for a premises licence. The hearing also included time for councillors to declare any conflicts of interest. Councillors were also scheduled to elect a chair at the start of the meeting.

Premier Ashington Mini Market - Premises Licence Application

The main item for consideration was the application for a premises licence for Premier Ashington Mini Market located at 29 South View, Ashington, NE63 0SF. The application was submitted by SDVJ Ltd, and sought permission for the following licensable activities:

• Late Night Refreshment (Indoors): Monday to Sunday, 23:00 to 01:00
• Supply of alcohol (off the premises): Monday to Sunday, 06:00 to 01:00

The report pack included a copy of the application for a premises licence, as well as a copy of a joint objection letter from local business owners.

Objections

The council received an objection from two interested parties, citing concerns regarding:

• Prevention of public nuisance
• Prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• Protection of children from harm

The interested parties who submitted the objection letter stated that they were local off-licence and convenience store owners operating in Ashington. They raised concerns that the application sought permission to sell alcohol from 06:00 to 01:00 daily, which they believed was far beyond the hours currently needed to meet community demand. They argued that this would inevitably increase noise, anti-social behaviour, litter, and disturbances in a predominantly residential area, particularly during late-night hours.

The objectors also expressed concerns that longer alcohol sale hours and another licensed outlet in close proximity to existing stores could escalate alcohol-related crime, loitering, and street drinking. They stated that they had already witnessed these issues in the area and extending alcohol availability would exacerbate them.

The business owners also stated that late-night trading increases risks to public safety, particularly when public transport is unavailable and police resources are stretched, and that more intoxicated individuals in the area at night increases the likelihood of disorder and accidents.

They also raised concerns about the location of the proposed premises being easily accessible to young people and close to public spaces they use, and that extending the sale of alcohol until 1:00 a.m. increases the chance of underage sales or proxy purchases, putting children and young people at greater risk of harm.

The objectors also stated that they were operating in an exceptionally difficult economic climate, with energy prices, supplier costs, and rent having all increased sharply, and consumer spending being lower, meaning margins are already extremely tight. They argued that introducing another licensed premises, offering identical products and services within walking distance, would cause serious and immediate economic harm to existing local stores that have served this community responsibly for years. They stated that the demand for alcohol and convenience goods in this area is already being met, and that another outlet will divide an already limited customer base, making it impossible for some of them to remain profitable, and that the likely outcome will be store closures, job losses, and empty retail units - all of which harm the local economy and community.

The business owners stated that they have a proven track record of responsible alcohol sales and compliance with licensing conditions, and that the addition of another operator in close proximity risks undermining these standards if market pressures encourage price undercutting or reduced safeguards.

Licensing Objectives and Considerations

The report pack outlined the four licensing objectives that must be considered when licensing functions are undertaken:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm

The report pack also referred to the council's statement of licensing policy, and the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Conditions and Operating Schedule

The application included an operating schedule outlining the steps the applicant intended to take to promote the four licensing objectives. These steps included:

• Licensing training for all staff who sell or supply alcohol.
• Supervision of new employees until training has taken place.
• Maintenance of an incident log to record crimes, ejections, complaints, and other incidents.
• Provision of CCTV with recordable system.
• Implementation of fire safety procedures.
• Ensuring customers move away from the premises after leaving and do not loiter in the area.
• Maintenance of a refusals book to record refused sales to individuals who cannot prove they are over 18.
• Implementation of a 'challenge 25' scheme¹ to prevent underage sales.

Determination Options

The sub-committee had several options available to them when determining the application, including:

1. Granting the licence subject to conditions consistent with the operating schedule, modified as deemed appropriate.
2. Excluding from the scope of the licence any of the licensable activities to which the application relates.
3. Rejecting the application if it is not possible to promote one or more of the licensing objectives by any other means.

The report pack reminded members that they may only attach additional conditions in respect of those matters that are subject to the application and in respect of which a relevant representation has been made, and that are appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

Licensing Hearing Rules

The report pack included the council's licensing hearing rules, which are intended to ensure all parties are on an equal footing when attending any licensing hearing and to ensure a fair hearing for all concerned. The licensing hearing rules state that all parties to the hearing will have endeavoured to work closely with one another and licensing officers, with a view to resolving as many issues subject to representation, if at all possible, prior to the hearing taking place.