Agenda item

Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence - BarberBar 2, 17 South Church Road, Bishop Auckland

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services regarding an application for the grant of a Premises Licence in respect of BarberBar2, 17 South Church Road, Bishop Auckland (for copy see file of Minutes).

 

Valerie Craig, Licensing Assistant presented the report which included a copy of the application and supporting documentation.

 

Councillor Tucker was invited to address the Sub-Committee. The Councillor referred Members to her representations in the bundle and stated that County Durham had problems with binge drinking which was on the increase. The County also had a high proportion of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in communities. The Member felt that granting Premises Licences to businesses that would not normally sell alcohol would increase the potential for alcohol related anti-social behaviour. The area already had a lot of premises that sold alcohol at all hours, and she considered that granting this Premises Licence would start a trend among businesses that were not normally associated with the sale of alcohol. Councillor Tucker queried whether the business would be affected by not selling alcohol; customers visited the shop for a service and if they were happy with the service they received they would return, whether or not alcohol was available.

 

Mr Hutchinson, the applicant stated that this was not a new concept; he had operated a similar premises in Crook without problem. Off-sales were not provided, it was purely the offer of a complimentary 330ml drink per customer. The premises would implement Challenge 25, all staff were trained and no alcohol would be taken off the premises. Neighbours had said that they no longer experienced problems with youths congregating outside the premises at lunchtimes.

 

Following a question from Councillor Darkes, the Sub-Committee was informed that the alcohol served was a complimentary drink for consumption on the premises. The serving of complimentary drinks required a Premises Licence.

 

Councillor Tucker asked the Licence Holder the percentage take-up of alcohol in the Crook premises, and was advised that around 45-50% of customers accepted a drink but it depended upon factors such as the time of year. Soft drinks were offered to customers first.

 

Councillor Tucker then asked if Mr Hutchinson felt that his business would suffer if alcohol was not offered, and if the area in which the premises was located had been a factor in his business plan, given the alcohol-related anti-social behaviour problems in County Durham.

 

Mr Hutchinson responded that the price structures of the business were high and he could not therefore say if his business would be affected if alcohol was not sold, and reiterated that this was not a new concept. He appreciated the Members’ views with regard to the issues in County Durham, but that the application should be considered in accordance with licensing legislation.  

 

At 12.20pm the Sub-Committee Resolved to retire to deliberate the application in private.

 

After re-convening at 12.25pm the Chair delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision.  In reaching their decision the Sub-Committee had considered the report of the Licensing Assistant, and the verbal and written representations of the applicant and local Councillor. Members had also taken into account the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and Section 182 Guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

 

Resolved:

 

That the Premises Licence be granted as follows:-

 

(i)            All staff to be kept fully trained on all policies and procedures.  All training records will be made available to officers when requested.  All staff responsible for selling age restricted goods to be trained to implement the age verification policy.   Staff training to include the risk from proxy sales.  Training records for staff to be maintained and refresher training to be provided annually.

 

(ii)          There will be three barbers chairs and a minimum of two barbers on the premises during the opening times.

 

 

(iii)         One complimentary 330ml alcoholic drink will be offered to each customer.

 

(iv)         Customers will be asked for proof of age should they look below the age of 25 years (Challenge 25) forms of identification accepted will be passport, driving licence or citizen card as proof of age.

 

 

(v)          There will be CCTV cameras in the premises and all staff will be trained in the use of CCTV and all footage will be retained for 28 days should it be requested by Authorities.

 

(vi)         Persons who enter the premises under heavy influence of drink/drugs will be refused the services offered by BarberBar.

 

 

(vii)        Full initial training will be conducted by the DPS to ensure no alcohol is given sold to anyone underage.

 

(viii)       All children below the age of 13 will be accompanied by an adult.  There will be no access permitted to the fridge by children and the fridge will be locked when not in use.

 

(ix)         The premises will hold a refusal register and endorse after any refusal.  This will be made available upon request by authorities.

 

(x)          The applicant will work with police to minimise the risk of proxy provision/proxy sales

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting documents: