Agenda item

We considered an application to vary the premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Chepstow Store, 4-5 Beaufort Square, Chepstow for the following:

· Supply of Alcohol (Off sales): Friday to Saturday 06:00hrs – 03:00hrs.

· Open Hours (Standard timings): Friday to Saturday 06:00hrs – 03:00hrs.

However, the applicant had stated that they would make the following amendment:

• Supply of Alcohol (Off sales): Friday to Saturday 06:00hrs – 02:00hrs.
• Open Hours (Standard timings): Friday to Saturday 06:00hrs – 02:00hrs.

https://www.youtube.com/live/UfQONySWA_U?si=A7ZjIvbgVbRRfcmD&t=4870

The applicant’s representatives confirmed their name and address to the Committee. The applicant’s representatives confirmed receipt of the report and hearing procedure and acknowledged that they would proceed without legal representation.

The key issues and details were read out to the Sub Committee.

Representatives from Gwent Police presented their objections to the application.

The applicant’s representatives were then given the opportunity to address the Committee, to put forward any relevant explanations. Following this, Members of the Sub Committee and representatives from Gwent Police put forward questions to the applicant’s representatives and discussion ensued. The applicant’s representatives were then given the opportunity to sum up.

Following questioning, the Licensing Sub Committee Members and the Monmouthshire County Council Solicitor left the meeting to deliberate and discuss the findings.

Upon re-commencement, the Solicitor advised that the Sub Committee had considered the issues and had resolved that it was a unanimous decision not to allow the variation to the application until 2.00am for the following reasons:

·         The Sub Committee balanced the financial reasons given by the Applicant against the evidence given by Gwent Police supporting their objection to the application.

·         The Sub Committee was of the view that the evidence given by the Police that selling alcohol from the premises until 2.00am would increase public nuisance, antisocial behaviour and criminality in Chepstow.

·         The Sub Committee was sympathetic towards the financial position of the Applicant.

·         The Sub Committee noted that the premises would close at 2.00am which is before the closure time of one of the nearby night clubs in Chepstow. The Sub Committee was of the view that this alone was not sufficient to allow the application.

·         The Sub Committee noted the concerns regarding the potential impact on the vulnerably housed and the impact on the general residents of Chepstow and the Sub Committee referred to the crime statistics provided by Gwent Police.

·         The Sub Committee was of the view that allowing the application was likely to increase antisocial behaviour and criminality in Chepstow and the priority was to safeguard the public. Allowing the application would provide those with addiction issues with an increased opportunity to purchase alcohol.