Agenda item

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 phoning Democratic Support on 229 8809.

The Service Director (Environmental Services) submitted a report that required Members to determine an application for a new premises licence for Tesco Stores Ltd, 40 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6FB.

Members noted that a representation had been received in respect of this application, which necessitated that the application for a new premises licence had to be considered by Members.

The applicant was represented by Mr John Dyas, Area Manager, Miss Tracey Longfield, Solicitor and Mr David Rawlings, Store Manager. An Officer from the Leicester City Council’s Licensing Unit and a Legal Officer were also present at the meeting. 

The Licensing Officer presented the report and evidence was heard from all parties present. It was noted that the representation had been made on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance.

The Solicitor for the applicant informed the Hearing that the premises would be a brand new store, which would be part of the national Tesco Stores Ltd Group. Comprehensive training would be given to staff and there was also regular refresher training as well. After May 2009 the company would be adopting a ‘think 25 policy’ across the country when serving alcohol. There would also be a prompt on the till which reminded the staff to ensure the person purchasing alcohol was not underage. The Hearing was informed that the store owner had already carried out training for the staff who would be working in the store. The Solicitor informed the meeting that Tesco were a responsible retailer and she explained how they would meet the Licensing objectives. There would be a CCTV system and security at the store from 2pm until closing time. As well as the prompt on the till, there would also be signage displayed on the store informing customers of the ‘think 25 policy’.

The Solicitor for the applicant also circulated to the Members a previous judicial review case where an applicant for a licence had won on appeal after the licence had been rejected due to a magistrates court considering events that may occur in the future.

Prior to deliberation, the Legal Officer advised Members of options available to them in making a 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.

The applicant representatives, Mr John Dyas, Area Manager, Miss Tracey Longfield, Solicitor and Mr David Rawlings, Store Manager, the Licensing Officer and Legal Officer all withdrew from the meeting.

Members then gave the application full and detailed consideration.

Members called back the Legal Officer for clarification on the wording of their decision.

The applicant representatives, Mr John Dyas, Area Manager, Miss Tracey Longfield, Solicitor and Mr David Rawlings, Store Manage and the Licensing Officer all returned to the meeting.

RESOLVED:

that the licence be granted, subject to the following conditions:

1)     The premises will have a digital CCTV system that covers many areas of the shop floor, including the proposed area to be used for beer and wine.

2)     Images will be retained for a minimum of 21 days and made available on enforcement request.

3)     A member of the management team will be on the premises all the time the store is open and will be trained to manage the store.

4)     The store will adhere to all rules and regulations relating to public safety.

5)     All staff will be trained and regularly refreshed in the corporate ‘Think 21’ policy and the store will display signage around the premises.