Agenda and minutes

The Chair introduced the Sub-Committee and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Outline of the Application by the Licensing Officer

The Licensing Officer outlined the application by Mr Palanivelu Vimaleswarah for an Off Sales Premises Licence in respect of 18 Abington Square, Northampton and noted that there had been an objection received from Northamptonshire Police.  She then explained the procedure for the hearing.

Application for the Premises Licence

Representing the Applicant, Naga Rajesh, Business Consultant, noted that the Applicant was a responsible businessman who had held and been working in a Licensed Premises since 1987.  The area was well known to him and he would be available at the premises throughout the opening hours. 

The reason for the application was stated as a change from a Licensed restaurant into a grocery store with alcohol sale on the premises.  Due to the financial downturn the Applicant was struggling to make a profit and felt that transforming the business into a grocery shop selling Asian produce with alcohol would be a more viable business in this climate.  The decision to apply for a 24 hour Licence was due to the needs of his current customers who found parking an issue in the daytime and they often had unusual working patterns.  The long hours would also aid the success of the business in helping the Applicant to compete against the larger 24 hour supermarkets who also offered the Asian produce. 

In regard to the objection from the Police it was noted that he had no issues with his current Licence or complaints against him at his current premises, in regard to the Licensing Objective of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder.  There had been discussion with Trading Standards and the Health and Safety Executive but the Applicant had found it difficult to engage in discussion with Northamptonshire Police.

Mr Rajesh noted the report sent by the Police detailing criminal behaviour in the locality of the premises for an 8 month period between midnight and 4:00 am and stated that 13 incidents were in Off Sales premises and 10 were on the streets.  Only 2 of the incidents were specifically attributed to the consumption of alcohol.  It was also noted that the application for the Licence was presented to the Council on 22 December 2011 and the Police objection was received 20 December 2011.  The Applicant believes this to be outside of the consultation period.

Questions to the Applicant

Members requested details on the businesses the Applicant was involved in from 1987 to this current Licensed restaurant.  The Applicant confirmed that he worked in an Off Licence in Chelsea, London from 1987 till 2007, which was when he purchased the current premises.

Members requested details on the percentage of the shop that would be dedicated to alcohol sales.  This was confirmed as approximately 15-20%.

Members questioned how the Applicant would be available for the opening hours of the premises if a 24 hour Licence were granted.  The Applicant confirmed that, although he resided in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.