The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Walcot Convenience Store. The committee was also scheduled to review licensing procedures.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Walcot Convenience Store

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Walcot Convenience Store, located at 132A Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BG¹. The application, submitted by Ms Shivani Salveru, proposed the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises every day between 07:00 and 22:00. The proposed opening hours for the store were also 07:00 to 22:00 daily.

The applicant had offered several measures to promote the licensing objectives², including:

• Regular training for all staff on the Licensing Act 2003, licensing objectives, and relevant offences.
• The implementation of a CCTV system, with nominated staff responsible for its operation and data access.
• The maintenance of an incident log to record crimes, ejections, disorder, CCTV faults, and refusals of alcohol sales.
• A Challenge 25 age verification policy, with staff trained to ask for proof of age from anyone appearing under 25.
• A restriction on the sale of beers, lagers, or ciders over 5.5% ABV³.
• The display of posters promoting the Challenge 25 policy.
• A record of all occasions when the sale of alcohol has been refused.

The report pack indicated that relevant representations of objection had been received from five interested parties. These objections raised concerns that granting the licence could lead to increased crime and disorder, antisocial behaviour, public drinking, noise, and public nuisance. Concerns were also expressed regarding public safety, the impact of the proposed operating hours on nearby residents, and the potential for underage sales and proxy purchasing. Objectors were concerned that the sale of alcohol could exacerbate existing alcohol and drug-related issues in the area.

The report also noted that matters relating to the need for an additional premises selling alcohol, commercial competition, land use, planning permission, or the general character of the area were not to be taken into account, unless directly relevant to one or more of the licensing objectives.

The applicant's agent had requested that documents outlining proposed measures to promote licensing objectives, engagement with Avon and Somerset Police, and the conditions offered be circulated to those who had submitted representations. CCTV footage provided by an interested party in support of their objections was also made available to the Sub-Committee.

The report outlined the legal framework for the application, including the duty of Licensing Authorities to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm⁴. It also referenced the Council's Licensing Policy⁵ and Statutory Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003⁶.

Licensing Procedure

The Licensing Sub-Committee was also scheduled to review the licensing procedure. This would involve the Chair explaining the process to be followed for the hearing of applications, including the allocation of time for parties to make representations, present evidence, and summarise their cases. The procedure also detailed how the Sub-Committee would deliberate in private and announce its decision with reasons.