The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report which asked Members to consider an application for a grant of a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 at East Street Deli, 3 East Street, Faversham, ME13 7DH.

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the application as set out in the report and highlighted as below:

·         Sale of alcohol off the premises only

Monday – Saturday             10:00 – 17:00

Sunday                                  10:00 – 16:00

The Licensing Team Leader referred to the application form submitted, as set out at Appendix I of the report, which incorrectly stated that the applicant sought low-key recorded background music for the same hours as the sale of alcohol.  She reported the applicant had confirmed it would be purely background music which the Licensing Team Leader confirmed was incidental to the sale of alcohol and did not require licensing.

The Licensing Team Leader reported that following the statutory 28-day consultation period no responsible authority had made representations, apart from the Police who had requested the imposition of further conditions, set out in paragraph 4.3 on page six of the report, which the applicant had agreed to.  There had been one representation against the application from an interested party, set out at Appendix III of the report, on the basis of two of the licensing objectives:  the prevention of public nuisance; and protection of children from harm.  Two representations in support of the application from both Ward Councillors were set out at Appendix IV of the report.

The Chair invited the applicant to present their case.

The applicant stated that the East Street Deli had been open since October 2023 and sold high quality deli provisions including olive oil, pasta, charcutier and cheese.  As a progression of the business, they wished now to sell alcohol such as English wines and locally produced products not aimed at the “casual drinker”.  The applicant explained she was currently undergoing personal licensing training and would be the Designated Premises Supervisor at the premises.   The applicant referred to the requested opening and closing times which showed there was no risk of the premises becoming an off-licence.  

The applicant referred to the points raised by the objector and stated that the hours they would be open for the sale of alcohol did not coincide with the time school children would be attending the nearby bakery.  The applicant further stated that they had received positive feedback from customers in respect of them offering wines and spirits. 

The applicant concluded that they were a responsible shopkeeper and considered the licence would cause no issues to the local community and would enhance the town centre as a retail destination.

The Chair invited Members to ask questions.

In response to a question from a Member the applicant confirmed that no staff would be under the age of 18 years.

The Chair invited the Applicant to summarise their closing remarks.

Members of the Sub-Committee adjourned at 12.16 pm to make their decision.  Members of the Sub-Committee the Lawyer (Contentious) and the Democratic Services officer returned to the meeting at 12.25 pm and the decision was announced.

Resolved:

(1)      That the application be granted subject to the amendments made during the statutory consultation including the Police conditions as set out in the report.