Agenda and minutes

Councillor Singh Johal was appointed as Chair for the meeting.

It was noted that the hearing of the application was held virtually in accordance with the Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus)(Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings)(England and Wales)(Regulations) 2020 (the 2020 Regulations) and in accordance with the Council’s own Remote Procedure Rules.

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report on an application for a variation of an existing Premises Licence - Vitaz Superstore, 66 Canon Street, Leicester, LE4 6NG.

Report attached, A copy of the associated documentation is attached for Members only. Further copies are available on the Council’s website at www.Cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by contacting Democratic Support on 0116 454 6359.

(Wards affected: Belgrave)

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report, which outlined an application for a variation to an existing premises licence for the Vitaz Superstore and summarised the representations received.

The existing Licence authorised off-sales of alcohol, seven days a week from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm, those hours also being the opening hours of the premises. The variation sought was to authorise off-sales of alcohol seven days a week from 6.00 am daily to midnight on Sunday through to Thursday and to 2.00 am on a Friday and Saturday. Those hours, if granted, would then become the premises’ opening hours.

The report also highlighted the licensing objectives, the relevant parts of the guidance and regulations, and the pertinent sections of the Licensing Authority’s Licensing Policy.

Members noted that representations had been received, and that it was necessary that the application be considered by the Sub-Committee.

Mr Vijaykumar Hingu (Premises Licence Holder (PLH)) was present with a representative Mr Anil Bhawsar.

PC Dave Braithwaite was present as Leicestershire Police had made representations.

Mr Andrew Sansome was present as the Council’s Noise Team had made a representation.

Also present was the Licensing Team Manager (Policy and Applications) and the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee.

The Licensing Team Manager (Policy and Applications) presented the report and outlined details of the application.

It was noted that a representation was received on 6 March 2021 from Councillor Solanki, as a Ward Councillor. The representation related to the prevention of public nuisance the protection of children from harm, the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. Councillor Solanki was concerned that if the application was granted it would cause disruption to nearby residences and the increase to hours would exacerbate the existing issues of street drinking, noise, litter and general anti-social behaviour in the area. In addition, there were concerns about elderly and young residents in the area as this was a main route for residents walking to schools and places of worship. A copy of the representation was submitted.

Representations had also been received from a local resident and a local temple who submitted photographs.

In response to questions from Members, it was clarified that the photographs were taken at a time when the PLH was present at the premises, and that they were taken by objectors and not the Licensing Officers concerned with the application.

The representations related to the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, the prevention of harm to children and crime and disorder. They were jointly concerned that customers leaving late at night and the early hours would increase the already unacceptable noise levels and disruption, and the anti-social behaviour witnessed in the vicinity of the premises. There were also concerns about urinating in the street. The existing litter problems, street drinking and gatherings were also be likely to increase into the early hours if the application was granted. Copies of the representations were submitted, together with the photographs referenced.

It was further reported that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

The meeting closed at 7.30pm.