Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor Blatchford be elected as Chair for the purposes of this meeting.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005 that the parties to the hearing, press and public be excluded at a predetermined point whilst the Sub-Committee reaches it decision.

Application for a variation of a premises licence in respect of Sainsbury's Supermarket ,202-224 Portswood Road Southampton SO17 2BE.

The Sub-Committee considered the application for variation of a premises licence in respect of Sainsbury’s Supermarket, 202-224 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2BE.

Ms Surguy (Applicant’s Agent), Mr Botkai (Applicant’s solicitor), Ms Coleman (Local Resident), Mrs Jameson (Portswood Residents Gardens Conservation Area), Mr Duke (Local Resident), Councillor Claisse (Ward Councillor) were present and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered the decision in confidential session in accordance with the Licensing Act (Hearings) Regulations 2005.

RESOLVED that the application for variation of premises licence be granted, subject to the agreement reached with the Police and as amended during the course of the hearing.

After private deliberation the Sub-Committee reconvened and the Chair read out the following decision:-

All parties will receive formal written confirmation of the decision and reasons.

The Sub-Committee has considered very carefully the application for variation of a premises licence at Sainsbury’s Supermarket, 202-224 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2BE.  It has given due regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Licensing Objectives, statutory guidance and the adopted statement of Licensing Policy. Human Rights legislation was borne in mind whilst making the decision.

The Sub-Committee noted that representation had been made by the Police but was withdrawn following negotiation with the applicant and subsequent amendment to the application.  Initially the application sought 24 hour licensing at the store but this had been reduced to the hours of 0600 to 2400 for 14 days before Christmas Day, Christmas Day and 7 days after Christmas Day.  It was further confirmed by the applicant that extended hours sought during the Easter period were withdrawn.  The application did, however, continue to seek 24 hour licensing solely in relation to the allocation of alcohol to orders relating to on-line sales (i.e. the ability to pack on-line orders, including alcohol, throughout the night). 

Following withdrawal of the Police representation, no representations were received from Responsible Authorities.  Numerous representations had been received from residents and on behalf of residents. 

In light of all the above, the Sub-Committee has determined to grant the application subject to the agreement reached with the Police and as amended during the course of the hearing.

Reasons

The Sub-Committee heard considerable evidence from residents both orally at the hearing and in written representations relating to general issues of crime and disorder and nuisance in the area.  Issues raised included (but were not limited to):

·  Late night noise (shouting and screaming)

·  Vandalism

·  Vomiting

·  Street drinking

·  Urinating

·  Litter

·  The precedent caused by granting any extension

·  The need for additional alcohol availability in the area

·  Lack of police presence

·  Highly residential area with elderly homes nearby

·  New student blocks are to be completed soon

Generally, residents are concerned that any additional premises or extension to licensable activities (the sale of alcohol) will necessarily lead to an increase in drunkenness and the associated issues arising.  The Sub-Committee does acknowledge these concerns and can fully understand the fears of residents given the blight caused by alcohol abuse, drug abuse and general anti-social  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.