Agenda and draft minutes

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED: That the Items on the Agenda be taken in public as proposed.

The Chairman requested those present to introduce themselves, explained the procedures and Members confirmed that they had read all the papers.

The Legal Advisor explained that the hearing was regarding an application to vary a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 made by Ismet Kadri Osman for S & I Food And Wine, 44 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8SE.

In respect of this application two objections had been received from other persons and no objections had been received from responsible authorities. As no objectors were present, Mrs Bolas explained to Members that under Regulation 20 of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005 if a party has not informed whether they are attending or not and does not attend, Members can decide to either adjourn the hearing where they consider it to be necessary in the public interest or continue with the hearing in the party’s absence.  If a decision is taken to continue, consideration must be given to the written objections received.  Members decided to continue with the hearing.

Mr Osman, the applicant, stated in his opening remarks that the current licence provided for an 8.00 a.m. start to sale of alcohol which was too late for a convenience store which intended to attract those on their way to work and provide breakfast items and newspapers, with 6.00 a.m. being more appropriate. The variation applied for was also to extend the alcohol sales hours to 1.00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings to provide a late service that was not currently provided by other local convenience stores. The opening hours would also be varied to the same as those for sale of alcohol.

Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions.

In response to a question Mr Osman explained that he lived above the premises and that there were no parking spaces for premises along the road, but there was a loading bay opposite the premises. Responding to concerns raised regarding an increase of traffic, Mr Osman stated that the area is already busy until 1.00 a.m. as there is a dance venue 50 yards from the premises.

In response to a question regarding whether Mr Osman had already opened the shop, he replied that it was scheduled to open in 2-3 weeks and explained that he had previous experience in retail. Mr Osman clarified there would be two employees which would increase to three during busy times, but would fundamentally consist of himself and his wife.

A Member sought confirmation that alcohol was intended to be sold from 6.00 a.m. to which Mr Osman responded that he did not mind if alcohol selling started later. Mr Osman explained that the premises had come with the licence that was already in effect.

The Legal Advisor enquired as to whether alcohol would be on display for sale, and if so would it be difficult to cover up at 6.00 a.m. Mr Osman stated that liquor would be behind the counter and beers would be in the fridge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.07 a.m. to 11.37 a.m.