Agenda item

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services with regards to an application for the grant of a Premises Licence at Shergill Stores, 80 Front Street, Sherburn (for copy see file of minutes).

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report and confirmed that the Applicant had an existing PL for Shergill Stores at 24 Front Street, Sherburn, which he intended to surrender should the application be successful. 

PCSO Williamson confirmed that following a mediated application with Durham Constabulary, intelligence led test purchasing was carried out at the current licenced premises which resulted in a failed test purchase.  Durham Constabulary therefore had no confidence and having failed to meet the licensing objectives, they objected to the application on the grounds of the failure to protect children from harm.

PCSO Williamson confirmed that the police had received a number of calls over a three-month period alleging that the store was selling alcohol to children.  On visiting the store, PCSO Williamson was assured that only Mr Singh and his wife worked at the store and both operated a Challenge 25 policy. The refusals register seemed in order, however on 30 August, a fifteen year old child volunteer purchased alcohol during the test purchase.

In response to questions from the Councils Solicitor, PCSO Williamson confirmed that she could not confirm whether there were multiple sources of intelligence.  She confirmed that another call had been received within the two weeks leading up to the hearing, although she could not confirm the legitimacy.  Mr Singh assumed that the call could only have been from a competitor.

Mr Singh confirmed that his wife had failed the test purchase and this was an emotional time for her, which had resulted in an error of judgement.  Mrs Singh had held her hands up and admitted her mistake and he confirmed that she had worked in a store prior to this with no issue.  She apologised and confirmed that she had completed training to ensure that she would not make any more mistakes.

In relation to the premises at no. 24 Front Street, Mr Singh confirmed that it would be leased out with an option to purchase, however there would be a clause included in the agreement of any sale that would ensure this would not revert to a licensed premises.  The reason for the move was that there was a distinct lack of parking at the current premises and it was smaller.

Resolved:

The Sub-Committee considered the application and determined, having

regard to the licensing objectives, that the licence application should be

granted.