The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application from Iceland Foods Limited for a premises licence at Unit 3 Stukeley Road Retail Park, Huntingdon. Despite an objection from a local resident, the committee approved the application as originally submitted, granting permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Iceland Foods Limited Licensing Application

The main item on the agenda was the application by Iceland Foods Limited for a new premises licence at Unit 3 Stukeley Road Retail Park, Huntingdon, PE29 6DA. The company sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises at any time of day, and to open to the public 24 hours a day.

The application received one representation from a local resident, Mr Curtis Flowers, who objected to the 24-hour licence and the sale of alcohol at the proposed food warehouse. Mr Flowers cited concerns about public safety, antisocial behaviour, disruption to residents, and increased traffic and parking issues, particularly given the proximity of residential properties and Stukeley Meadows Primary School.

The council attempted mediation, and Iceland offered to amend the application to restrict alcohol sales to between 7am and 11pm daily. However, Mr Flowers rejected this proposal, maintaining his objection due to concerns about the early start time for alcohol sales near a school and the wider impact of a 24-hour retail operation on the residential area.

Ultimately, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence as originally applied for, permitting the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises 24 hours a day. The licence is subject to the conditions set out in the application.

The applicant, Iceland Foods Limited, stated in their application that they would take the following steps to promote the four licensing objectives¹:

• Prevention of crime and disorder:
  • Maintaining a CCTV system covering all entry and exit points, with continuous recording and storage of recordings for a minimum of 31 days.
  • Displaying prominent 'CCTV in operation' signs.
  • Keeping an incident log available for inspection by the police or local authority.
  • Operating a proof of age scheme, such as Challenge 25[^3], accepting only photographic driving licences, passports, military identification, or other recognised forms of photographic identification incorporating the PASS logo[^4]. [^3]: Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (photographic driving licence, passport or PASS-approved proof of age card) if they intend to buy alcohol. [^4]: The Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) is a UK national scheme of proof of age card issuers.
  • Fitting the premises with a burglar alarm system and a panic button system for staff.
• Public safety:
  • Ensuring that appropriate fire safety and health and safety regulations are applied.
  • Operating a complaints procedure, with details made available in store.
• Prevention of public nuisance:
  • Operating a complaints procedure, with details made available in store.
• Protection of children from harm:
  • Providing all relevant staff with training in relation to the sale of alcohol upon induction, with refresher training every six months.
  • Utilising a till prompt system for alcohol sales.
  • Maintaining a refusals register.

Licensing Sub-Committee Procedure

The committee reviewed the Licensing Sub-Committee Procedure document which outlines how hearings are run.