The Licensing Sub Committee 2 (Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005) is scheduled to convene to address licensing matters within Sandwell. The primary focus of the meeting will be an application for a new premises licence. This article will summarise the key discussion points outlined in the meeting agenda.

Application for a New Premises Licence at 536A Bearwood Road, Smethwick B66 4BX

The central item for consideration is an application for a new premises licence at 536A Bearwood Road, Smethwick, submitted by Eurotabla Limited. The Licensing Sub Committee 2 (Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005) is asked to review the application, taking into account the Licensing Act 2003 guidance and the council's statement of licensing policy.

The report pack includes the original licence application, a location plan, and representations received.

Background

Eurotabla Limited has applied for a licence to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between the hours of 09:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The application outlines several steps the company intends to take to promote the four licensing objectives¹:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder:
  • Staff training on Challenge 25², refusal registers, recognising drunkenness, and emergency procedures.
  • Maintenance of an incident log.
  • A comprehensive CCTV system.
  • Ensuring alcohol is visible to staff.
  • Preservation of crime scenes for forensic investigation.
• Public Safety:
  • Limiting the maximum number of people on the premises to 10, including staff.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance:
  • Displaying a telephone number for residents to report noise or antisocial behaviour.
  • Restrictions on delivery and waste collection times.
  • Measures to prevent litter.
• Protection of Children from Harm:
  • Staff training on alcohol sales.
  • Implementation of a Challenge 25 policy.
  • Maintenance of an alcohol sales refusal register.
  • Display of prominent signage indicating the Challenge 25 scheme.

Representations

The council has received representations from local residents objecting to the granting of the licence. The grounds for objection include concerns that all four licensing objectives would be undermined. The representations raise concerns about:

• Public Nuisance:
  • Excessive noise
  • Litter
  • Late-night disturbances
• Impact on Traffic and Parking:
  • Increased traffic congestion
  • Inadequate parking
  • Road safety issues
• Crime and Disorder:
  • Concerns that the premises will be a cover for illegal cigarette sales.
  • Concerns about anti-social behaviour.
  • Concerns about links to money laundering and the sale of nitrous oxide.
  • Concerns about drug use and associated paraphernalia in the area.
• Protection of Children from Harm:
  • Concerns about the proximity of the premises to schools.
  • Concerns about the normalisation of harmful behaviour.

One representation refers to a Birmingham Mail article regarding illegal activities at 'Bob Shops'.

Options Available to the Licensing Sub Committee 2 (Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005)

In considering the application, the Licensing Sub Committee 2 (Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005) has several options:

• Grant the licence subject to conditions consistent with the operating schedule and mandatory conditions.
• Exclude certain licensable activities from the scope of the licence.
• Refuse to specify a person in the licence as the premises supervisor.
• Reject the application.

The report pack notes that any additional conditions or restrictions should be appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, and that the applicant and those who made relevant representations have the right to appeal the decision.