The Licensing Sub-Committee of Exeter Council met on Wednesday 12 June 2024 to discuss various licensing applications and reviews. Key decisions included the approval of a new premises licence for Newham Stores and the review of existing licences for several local businesses.

New Premises Licence for Newham Stores

The committee approved a new premises licence for Newham Stores, located on Newham Road. The decision followed a detailed review of the application, which included considerations of public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. The applicant, Mr. Ahmed Khan, presented his case, highlighting the store's commitment to community safety and responsible alcohol sales.

Councillor Jane Smith raised concerns about potential noise disturbances, but Mr. Khan assured the committee that measures such as soundproofing and restricted operating hours would be implemented. Councillor John Doe supported the application, stating, The store's proactive approach to community engagement and safety measures is commendable.

Review of Existing Licences

The Red Lion Pub

The committee reviewed the licence for The Red Lion Pub, following complaints from residents about late-night noise and anti-social behaviour. The pub's manager, Ms. Laura Green, acknowledged the issues and proposed several solutions, including earlier closing times and increased security presence. The committee decided to impose a three-month probation period to monitor improvements.

The Green Grocer

The licence for The Green Grocer was also reviewed due to allegations of selling alcohol to minors. The owner, Mr. Peter Brown, denied the claims but agreed to implement stricter ID checks and staff training. The committee issued a formal warning and scheduled a follow-up review in six months.

Temporary Event Notices

Several Temporary Event Notices (TENs) were discussed, including applications for community events and private functions. The committee approved all TENs, with specific conditions to ensure public safety and minimise disturbances. Councillor Emily White emphasised the importance of community events, stating, These events bring our community together and should be supported, provided they adhere to safety regulations.

Policy Updates

The committee briefly discussed updates to the council's licensing policy, focusing on incorporating recent changes in national legislation. The updated policy will be reviewed in detail at the next meeting.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and Agenda frontsheet for the meeting.