Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to an application (made in accordance with Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003) for the grant of a Premises Licence in respect of premises situated at 25 Monkwood Road, Rotherham S62 7JN.

The applicant, Mr. Vasanthan Chelliah, was seeking authorisation to allow the sale of alcohol (for consumption off the premises) on every day of the week between 07:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. 

Mr. Chelliah was present at the hearing together with a friend (acting as an interpreter when needed), Mr. Nick Semper (Licensing Guys) and Jess Hall (trainee).

Consultation on the application had been carried out in accordance with all statutory requirements and the Council procedure.  During the consultation period one “Other Person” had made representations to the application  opposing the granting of the application.  The representations had been reviewed and found that points 1 and 2 were accepted as relevant to one or more of the licensing objectives; points 4, 5 and 6 were not relevant considerations for the licensing process and advice was given with regard to points 3 and 7.  The 2 points that were considered to be relevant considerations were:-

1.   Increased Risk of Noise, Disturbance and Anti-Social Behaviour

      Off-licence premises often attract groups who gather outside, particularly during evenings and weekends.  This can lead to raised noise levels, shouting and general disturbance late into the night.  Unfortunately anti-social behaviour is currently present on Monkwood Road and I fear the opening of another off-licence will increase this

2.   Potential for Crime and Disorder

      Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is a recognised issue around off-licence premises.  There is a legitimate concern that the shop could attract loitering, public drinking and disorderly conduct, especially if alcohol is sold late into the evening.  This would compromise the safety and security of residents including children and elderly neighbours

Mr. Chelliah had been provided with the details of the above and had written to the objector to address their concerns including a further offered condition regarding the clearing of litter from the exterior of the premises.  Conciliation has failed to lead to the withdrawal of the representation.

The “Other Person” had been invited to the meeting and had been expected to attend.  The Sub-Committee considered the written submission.

There had been no representations received from the Responsible Authorities.

The applicant had engaged with the Licensing Service and had offered to put in place a number of management controls should the application be granted.  These management controls would be made a condition of Annex 2 of any licence granted i.e.:-

1.       CCTV will be provided at the premises in the form of a recordable system, capable of providing pictures of evidential quality in all lighting conditions, particularly facial recognition.

2.       Cameras shall encompass all ingress and egress to the premises, fire exits, outside areas, and all areas where the sale/ supply of alcohol occurs.

3.       A monitor shall be mounted on the wall at the premises where it is clearly visible to all members of the public. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.