The Licensing Sub-Committee of Doncaster Council was scheduled to consider two applications for new premises licences. These applications were for a convenience store at 153 Carr House Road, Hyde Park, Doncaster, and a proposed convenience store at 59 Harlington Road, Mexborough. Both applications had received representations from responsible authorities and/or local residents.

Application for a Premises Licence - 153 Carr House Road, Hyde Park, Doncaster, DN1 2BD

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for 153 Carr House Road, Hyde Park, Doncaster, DN1 2BD. The premises is currently a convenience store, and the application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 07:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

This application was subject to representations from the City of Doncaster Council's Trading Standards department and South Yorkshire Police. Trading Standards objected to the application due to previous incidents involving the applicant, Mohammed Amin Mohammed, relating to the sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco and vapes. These incidents included a test purchase in March 2023 where illicit cigarettes were sold, a seizure of illicit vapes in February 2023, and a further test purchase in June 2025 involving counterfeit cigarettes and an oversized disposable vape. Trading Standards stated that these activities constitute criminal activity and pose significant public health risks, raising serious concerns about Mr Mohammed's suitability to hold a premises licence.

South Yorkshire Police also lodged an objection on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public safety. They cited the same test purchase failures and investigations by Trading Standards, noting that intelligence suggested ongoing sales of illicit tobacco and underage sales. The police expressed serious concerns about the applicant's suitability and commitment to upholding the law and the licensing objectives, believing that granting the licence would likely contribute to further criminal activity.

The report indicated that the premises is located within Area 1, which is subject to a cumulative impact policy as outlined in the City of Doncaster Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2016. The Licensing Act 2003 requires the Licensing Authority to determine such applications having regard to representations made and the evidence presented. The options available to the Sub-Committee included granting the licence with conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a premises supervisor, or rejecting the application.

Application for a New Premises Licence - 59 Harlington Road, Mexborough, Doncaster S64 0DF

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence at 59 Harlington Road, Mexborough, Doncaster S64 0DF. The applicant, Kari Retail Ltd, proposed to operate the premises as a convenience store, with the licence permitting late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 00:00, Monday to Sunday, and the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 06:00 to 00:00, Monday to Sunday.

This application had received representations from local residents, Carl Cotton and Nidarshini Jeyarasa, and was also noted by the City of Doncaster Council's Trading Standards department.

Carl Cotton's representation focused on the potential for increased antisocial behaviour due to late-night alcohol sales, noting the existing number of alcohol-selling establishments in the vicinity, including a public house and two shops. Concerns were also raised about limited on-road parking, which could affect local residents, and the potential for existing businesses to lose custom, leading to closures. Mr Cotton stated that another shop with a late-night alcohol licence was not needed and could lead to more antisocial behaviour, reduced parking, and a loss of footfall for current local businesses.

Nidarshini Jeyarasa also expressed concerns about the impact on crime and disorder, citing existing crime and alcohol abuse in the area due to the number of off-licences. She highlighted issues with shoplifting to fuel drug addiction and the ease of access to alcohol for children. Ms Jeyarasa also raised concerns about littering and noise pollution, particularly during late hours, given the residential nature of the area. She believed the application would bring more disruption than benefit.

The operating schedule submitted by the applicant outlined proposed steps to promote the licensing objectives, including the use of CCTV, staff training on age-restricted sales, an alcohol refusals policy, and a Challenge 25 policy. The applicant stated that deliveries would be arranged to avoid public nuisance and that notices would be displayed asking customers to leave quietly.

The report indicated that the application was being considered under the Licensing Act 2003, with representations received from neighbours relating to the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee's options were similar to those for the previous application: grant the licence with conditions, exclude licensable activities, refuse to specify a premises supervisor, or reject the application.