Agenda item

4.1

The Chief Licensing Officer submitted a report to consider an application, under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003, for the variation of a premises licence in respect of premises known as Budgens, 110 Weston Street, Sheffield S3 7NG (Ref. No.04/21)

4.2

Present at the meeting were Robert Botkai (Solicitor representing the Applicant), Tina Vlahovic (Licensing Assistant to the Applicant’s Solicitor), Ashokkumar Kaliannan (Business Development Manager, Samy Limited), Clive Stephenson (Licensing Strategy and Policy Officer), Marie-Claire Frankie (Solicitor to the Sub-Committee) and Jennie Skiba (Democratic Services).

4.3

Marie-Claire Frankie outlined the procedure which would be followed during the hearing.

4.4

Clive Stephenson presented the report to the Sub-Committee, and it was noted that representations in respect of the application had been received and were attached at Appendix “C” to the report.  Clive Stephenson reported that the objector had submitted her apologies to the meeting saying that she was unable to attend.

4.5

Robert Botkai, representing the applicants known as Sami Limited, stated that the application to vary the licence was made to extend the opening hours to trade for 24 hours.  He referred to the fact that there had been no objections from the Responsible Authorities. Mr. Botkai added that this was not a new application, the premises were not new to the area and that there had never been any causes for concern.  He referred to the objection received which stated that the area was a lovely quiet area and the objector feared that anti-social behaviour would migrate to the area should the hours of opening be extended, but he stated that there hasn’t been any evidence of that.  He said that Budgens have 35 licensed stores around the country, all of which trade for 24 hours a day and are very experienced operators, adding that none of those premises have experienced any problems.

4.6

In response to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, for the sake of community cohesion, the applicants said they would be prepared to provide contact details to the objector, should any problems arise during the night.

4.7

Clive Stephenson outlined the options open to the Sub-Committee.

4.8

RESOLVED: That the public and press and attendees involved in the application be excluded from the meeting before further discussion takes place on the grounds that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, if those persons were present, there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information as described in paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.

4.9

Marie-Claire Frankie reported orally, giving legal advice on various aspects of the application.

4.10

RESOLVED: That, in the light of the information contained in the report now submitted, together with the representations now made and the responses to the questions raised, approval be given to vary the premises licence in respect of the premises known as Budgens, 110 Weston Street, Sheffield S3 7NQ (Ref No.04/21).

(NOTE: The decision will be relayed to all interested parties following the meeting, and the full reasons for the Sub-Committee's decision will be included in the written notice of determination.)