Ms Randall outlined the application as detailed; the applicant wished to open a convenience store open from 07:00 to midnight on all days with the sale of alcohol available from 11:00 on all days. Objections had been received from residents and EH who had also listed a number of possible conditions. In addition, the Police had put forward a number of conditions they would wish to see attached to the licence, should it be granted.

Mr Greeno advised that the comments from EH mainly related to dealing with potential noise nuisance from plant and machinery and that this could be dealt with via the Environmental Protection Act. It was therefore not for the Licensing Sub Committee to impose conditions that could be addressed via other regulatory means.

Mr Miah, on behalf of the applicant, stated that the resident objections mainly related to ASB and that the conditions put forward by the Police were acceptable. Staff would also be given full training with regard to licensing issues. However, there were other similar premises in the immediate area and Mr Miah did not see how this application could be refused on the basis of existing issues.

Mr Cole reported that he had objected to the application as it related to providing an off-licence and there were nine other similar premises within a very short distance. This shop was on a residential street, hence the concern regarding noise nuisance and the cumulative effect in respect to the number of licensed premises within the vicinity.

Mr Cole also drew attention to the photographs submitted as evidence showing alcohol use by pedestrians within local streets. In addition, Mr Cole expressed his concern regarding the footfall of those leaving the premise due to the proximity of bedroom windows.

The increase in licensed premises was a concern in relation to the rising crime levels and general criminal activity that lay hidden behind alcohol abuse.

Ms Wombwell reported the concerns residents had regarding the growing number of licensed premises within the area and that there was a need that this should be capped at some level. There was no wish to deter businesses from starting up in the area but not those that wished to sell alcohol.

The attendant vehicle and pedestrian use was increasingly disturbing those who lived in the area and this included the growing number of emergency vehicles that attended alcohol related incidents. There was also concern regarding the lack of regulation of these premises as a large number did not adhere to the licences that had been granted.

Mr Greeno advised that the lack of planning permission that may relate to a premise was not grounds for refusing a licence and whether planning enforcement was taking place or not was not a matter for the Licensing Committee.

Following some clarification questions from Members, the applicant stated that he would be prepared to accept the framework hours of operation as detailed in the report (Page 178). In working towards ensuring that there was no ASB arising, there was only so much that could be done and it would be wrong to suggest that street drinking would increase due to this premise being granted a licence.

The Chair thanked those present for their contributions and advised that the Sub Committee would now, at 8.57pm, adjourn to consider the evidence presented to them. The Sub Committee reconvened at 8.06pm and the Chair reported that Members had

RESOLVED

That the application for a new Premises Licence for the Convenience Store, 83 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DJ, be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

Opening Hours of the Premises: 07:00 to Midnight, Monday to Sunday

Sale of Alcohol: 11:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 to Midnight Friday and Saturday

All alcohol to be sold in sealed containers

A CCTV system shall be installed or the existing system maintained. The system will incorporate a camera covering the entrance door and the payment/till area and be capable of providing an image that is regarded as ‘identification standard’

• To obtain a clear head and shoulders image of every person entering the premises on the CCTV system
• CCTV is to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and is to be working and recording correctly when the premise is open to the public.
• The CCTV system shall incorporate a recording facility and any recordings shall be retained and stored in a suitable and secure manner for a minimum of one month. A system shall be in place to maintain the quality of the recorded image and a complete audit trail maintained. The system will comply with other essential legislation, and all signs as required will be clearly displayed. The system will be maintained and fully operational throughout the hours that the premises are open for any licensable activity.
• A staff member to be conversant with the operation of the CCTV system and will be on the premises at all times that it is open to the public. This staff member will be able to show police recent data or footage with the absolute minimum of delay when requested. This data or footage reproduction should be almost instantaneous.

The Chair advised that Members had shared a number of the concerns raised by residents but did not believe on balance that the application should be refused.