The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met to consider an application for a new premises licence for Whitehills Post Office. The committee granted the licence, subject to standard conditions, after hearing arguments from the applicant's agent and considering representations from local residents.

Premises Licence Application for Whitehills Post Office

The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence for the Whitehills Post Office, located at 12 Whitehills Crescent, Northampton. The application, made by Mr Rajesh Kunti, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 6 am and midnight, seven days a week. Mr Kunti, who also applied to be the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), holds a personal licence and has previous experience operating licensed premises.

The licensing officer reported that no objections were received from responsible authorities during the statutory consultation period. However, two representations were received from members of the public, which led to the application being brought before the sub-committee for a hearing.

Frank Fender, the agent representing Mr Kunti, argued that the application should be granted as requested. He highlighted Mr Kunti's extensive experience and unblemished record in operating licensed premises. Mr Fender contended that the concerns raised in the public representations were largely irrelevant to the licensing objectives, focusing instead on issues of need and demand, which are not grounds for refusal under the Licensing Act 2003. He specifically addressed concerns about street drinking and anti-social behaviour, stating there was no evidence to support these claims and that such issues are matters for individual responsibility and general law enforcement. Regarding fly-tipping, Mr Fender suggested that an occupied premises would deter such behaviour. He also pointed out that the premises are not located within a cumulative impact zone, and that the council's Statement of Licensing Policy supports granting alcohol sales hours in line with trading hours unless there are good reasons to restrict them.

The sub-committee also heard from the objectors' representations. One resident from 11 Greenhills Road, expressed concern about the need for another alcohol retailer given the proximity of Morrisons, The Whitehills Public House, and a Tesco store. They also suggested that selling alcohol at 6 am indicated a problem and could lead to anti-social behaviour.

A second, more detailed representation from a resident living in close proximity to the post office raised several concerns. These included the lack of need for another alcohol seller in the area, the premises' location with limited passing foot traffic, the presence of a pub opposite, and the potential for increased street drinking and anti-social behaviour. The objector also cited the nearby Morrisons and two Tesco stores as already providing alcohol sales. Further concerns were raised about existing fly-tipping in front of the post office, which they believed would be exacerbated by extended hours, and issues with traffic volume and dangerous parking.

After considering the arguments, the sub-committee decided to grant the premises licence. The decision was made subject to the conditions outlined in the applicant's operating schedule, which included measures for staff training, CCTV installation, a Challenge 25 policy, and signage regarding the illegality of purchasing alcohol for under-18s. The sub-committee noted that the decision would be communicated in writing within five working days.