The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss a single agenda item: an application for the variation of a premises licence for Seaton Supply Stores. The sub-committee is asked to determine the application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives.

Seaton Supply Stores, 7 Seaton Lane, Seaham, SR7 0JL

The sub-committee considered an application for the variation of a premises licence for Seaton Supply Stores, 7 Seaton Lane, Seaham, SR7 0JL. Happy & Marti Ltd, represented by director Mr Harpreet Singh Shergill, submitted the application on 10 July 2025, requesting an extension to the hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises to Monday to Sunday, 06:00 to 23:00 each day.

Currently, the store is licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises:

• Monday to Saturday 08:00 - 23:00
• Sunday 10:00 - 22:30

During the consultation period, the council received representations opposing the application from two responsible authorities: Durham Constabulary and Durham County Council Environmental Health department. The Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership confirmed they had no comments.

Both Durham Constabulary and the Environmental Health department raised concerns that the variation could undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

Durham Constabulary's concerns

Durham Constabulary highlighted that the application was in direct contradiction of Durham County Council's framework for opening hours for premises which only sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, which are:

• Weekdays 07:00-23:30
• Weekends 07:00-00:30

They stated that the applicant wished to bring the store in line with other properties he owns in Sunderland, and to facilitate sales to factory workers attending the nearby industrial estate from 6am. Durham Constabulary raised concerns that more alcohol-fuelled incidents, increased demand on policing, a higher risk of alcohol-related hospitalisations and increased youth vulnerability could result from the extended hours.

Environmental Health's concerns

The Environmental Health department noted that the premises is in a predominantly residential area, and that there is a general presumption that licensed premises in residential and mixed residential/commercial areas will have a greater potential to undermine the public nuisance licensing objective. They stated that the applicant had advised that they wanted the early hours because warehouse workers who work at Nissan and nearby prefer to take their alcohol before work. They concluded that they could not support the application as it stood, but would not object to a 07:00 start, in line with the council's policy framework.

Licensing Policy

The council's statement of licensing policy states that the council expects all licensed premises to be properly managed at all times to prevent crime and disorder, and encourages licensees to provide comprehensive and documented staff training. The council also expects every licence holder to be responsible for minimising the impact of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour by their patrons both on and within the immediate vicinity of their premises. The council recommends procedures to deal with drunken customers, violence and anti-social behaviour, and the provision of closed-circuit television in certain premises.