Agenda item

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report for an application for a new premises licence for 261 Express, 261 Hinckley Road, Leicester.

Councillor Barton, as Chair led on introductions and outlined the procedure the hearing would follow.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report on an application for a new premises licence for 261 Express, 261 Hinckley Road, Leicester.

Mr Mustafa Kareemi Sharam, the Designated Premises Supervisor and his friend Mr Filip Kostecki were in attendance. Also in attendance was Ms Helen Jowett, objector and resident of the neighbourhood. Also present were the Team Manager (Regulatory Services) and the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee.

Mr Anthony Close, licensing agent from AC Consultancy was not present. He provided a written submission prior to the hearing, and it was circulated with and taken into considerations by the Sub-Committee.

The Licensing Team Manager (Regulatory Services) presented the report and outlined details of the application.

Three representations were received between 7^th and 9^th January 2026 from members of the public. The representations related to the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. The representees were concerned that this premises would increase the existing noise, litter and anti-social behaviour issues from street drinkers.

Ms Jowett was given the opportunity to outline the details of their representation and answered questions from the Members and officers.

Mr Sharam were given the opportunity to address the Sub-Committee and answered questions from the Members and officers.

All parties present were then given the opportunity to sum up their positions and make any final comments.

The Sub-Committee received legal advice from the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee in the presence of all those present and were advised of the options available to them in making their decision. The Sub-Committee were also advised of the relevant policy and statutory guidance that needed to be taken into account when making their decision.

In reaching their decision, Members felt they should deliberate in private on the basis that this was in the public interest, and as such outweighed the public interest of their deliberation taking place with the parties represented present, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005.

The Chair announced that the decision and reasons would be announced in writing within five working days. The Chair informed the meeting that the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee would be called back to give advice on the wording of the decision.

The Sub-Committee recalled the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee to give advice on the wording of the decision.

RESOLVED:

The Sub-Committee’s decision is that it is appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives to GRANT the application subject to the conditions consistent with the Operating Schedule detailed in Appendix C of the Licensing Officer’s Report.

Conditions consistent with the Operating Schedule:

1.    A 10 camera multiplex CCTV system will be in operation with visible monitor and due warning signs displayed to the public of it's use within the premises. One interior camera is positioned to focus on the entrance and exit doorways to help with the prevention and detection of crime and help with the protection of customers' and staff safety.

2.    Recording data will be timed, dated and have a minimum 31 days records. The Police and Local Authority Officers may have access to the system at any reasonable time and downloadable recordings on request. A refusal register is to be kept to record any incidents.

3.    A waste bin is provided and the front pavement is swept daily or more frequently if littered.

4.    Notices displayed requesting customers to leave the premises as quietly as possible.

5.    A maximum of 3 unaccompanied children are allowed in the shop at any one time.

6.    Challenge 25 and "Pass" approved Notices displayed requesting valid proof of age for any age restricted products. "No I.D -No Sale".

7.    All staff are trained to serve alcohol and age sensitive products under the guidance of the DPS.

The reasons for the decision would be provided in writing to all parties within five working days.