The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for High Street Mini Mart, subject to agreed conditions. The decision followed consideration of representations from the applicant, local residents, and the Metropolitan Police.

New Premises Licence for High Street Mini Mart

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for High Street Mini Mart, located at 26 High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AN, allowing the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. The licence was granted subject to conditions agreed between the applicant and the Metropolitan Police, along with two additional conditions imposed by the Sub-Committee.

The applicant, Mr. Dashu Pandey, proposed opening hours from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week, for both the general store and alcohol sales. He highlighted his 19 years of experience in business and stated the early opening hours were intended to serve early-morning customers and contribute to the local economy.

However, four objections were received from local residents. Concerns raised included the proximity of existing licensed premises, potential for noise nuisance, early morning and late-night disturbance, the impact on local schools, and the risk of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Councillor Mike Jack also spoke on behalf of a resident, echoing these concerns. One objector specifically noted that the proposed Sunday hours for alcohol sales would be longer than those permitted for Sainsbury's, a nearby supermarket. Another objection highlighted that the High Street becomes quiet after 10:00 PM and that extending alcohol sales until 11:00 PM would cause unnecessary disturbance and encourage anti-social behaviour. Concerns were also raised about the impact on the Chislehurst Conservation Area's character.

In response to these concerns, the applicant agreed to amendments to the floor plan, including placing a fruit and vegetable display in front of the alcohol refrigeration units. The Metropolitan Police proposed several conditions, which the applicant accepted. These included the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, the adoption of a 'Challenge 25' scheme for alcohol sales, training for all staff involved in alcohol sales, the maintenance of an incident register, and a refusals log.

The Sub-Committee ultimately decided to grant the licence, finding that the applicant had demonstrated an understanding of the licensing regime and had addressed the objectors' concerns through agreed conditions and amendments. The additional conditions imposed by the Sub-Committee were:

• Deliveries to the premises shall only take place during the premises operational hours.
• All alcohol displayed or stored within the premises shall be kept at least one metre from the entrance and exit door.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that these conditions, along with those agreed with the Metropolitan Police, were appropriate and proportionate for promoting the licensing objectives. They also noted that the Licensing Act 2003 provides a review mechanism should problems arise in the future.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Sumeet Jalan, with Councillors Sheri Isa and Simon Jeal also present. Councillor Mike Jack was also in attendance.