The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Mangrove Mini Market. The meeting's agenda also included a standard item for the exclusion of the press and public for certain discussions.

Premises Licence Application - Mangrove Mini Market

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Mangrove Mini Market, located at 15 Collingwood Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 4RD. The application, submitted by Mr Steve Ewer, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.

The initial application requested permission to sell alcohol from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 am and 12:00 am (midnight), and on Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, an email exchange indicated that Mr Ewer had agreed to reduced opening hours for alcohol sales, proposing Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This was to address concerns raised by residents and the licensing team regarding the potential impact of late-night alcohol sales in a residential area.

The report pack detailed that eight objections were received during the 28-day notice period. These objections, included in Appendix B of the report pack, raised concerns about:

• Trading Hours and Potential for Nuisance: Several residents expressed concern that the proposed late-night opening hours, particularly until midnight, would lead to increased noise, disturbance, and anti-social behaviour in the predominantly residential area. Objections highlighted issues such as car doors banging, people hanging around a residential area late at night, and car engines running late at night.
• Impact on Existing Businesses: Some objectors noted that the proposed Mangrove Mini Market would be located next door to an established off-licence, Khindas, and that there were already several other premises selling alcohol within a short walking distance, including an M&S and various shops along Kingsley Front. Concerns were raised about the potential for the new business to negatively impact existing traders.
• Parking and Traffic Issues: Residents highlighted that parking in the area is already limited, especially in the evenings, and that extended opening hours could exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to illegal parking and increased traffic congestion.
• Lack of Local Need: Several objections questioned the necessity of an additional alcohol retailer in the area, given the existing provision.
• Historical Context: One objection referenced the historical context of the Phippsville area, suggesting it was built with an intention to be virtuous and alcohol-free, and that encouraging late-night alcohol sales would contradict this history.

The report pack outlined the steps the sub-committee could take, which included granting the licence with or without conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a designated premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The decision was to be made based on promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report also referenced the statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003¹ and the West Northamptonshire Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026.