The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee convened to assess an application for a new premises licence for 556 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 3DH. The committee decided to grant the application in full, permitting the sale of alcohol (off sales) from 07:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. This decision was made after considering representations from the applicant, a local business owner, and reviewing the council's licensing policy and Home Office guidance.

Grant of Premises Licence: 556 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 3DH

The sub-committee approved the application for a premises licence for Food & Wine (Islington) Ltd, located at 556 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 3DH. The applicant, Anjum Suleman, sought permission to sell alcohol (off sales) between 07:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The decision to grant the licence was influenced by several factors:

• Applicant's Experience: The sub-committee noted that Mr Suleman has extensive experience in the retail sector, operating 12 Nisa[^2] stores. [^2]: Nisa Retail Limited is a member-owned cooperative that provides independent retailers in the United Kingdom with access to wholesale products, marketing support, and other services. Nisa was acquired by the Co-op Group in 2018, but continues to operate as a separate brand.

• Proposed Security Measures: The applicant outlined plans for a comprehensive security system, including 14 CCTV cameras to monitor the premises and deter shoplifting and loitering.

• Staffing Levels: The sub-committee heard that the store would have three staff members present at all times.

• Product Restrictions: The applicant stated that they would not sell beer or cider above 5% ABV[^3], and that alcoholic cans would be sold in packs of four only. [^3]: ABV stands for alcohol by volume, and is a standard measure of how much alcohol (ethanol) is contained in an alcoholic beverage. It is defined as the number of millilitres of pure ethanol present in 100ml of solution at 20 °C.

• Co-op Group Guidelines: The sub-committee was told that as Nisa is owned by the Co-op Group, the business must adhere to strict operational guidelines.

• Collaboration with Authorities: The applicant had engaged with the police and licensing team to agree on conditions for the licence.

Objections

One representation was received from Kaushalkumar Patel, the owner of International Food Store, a neighbouring business. Mr Patel raised concerns about:

• Public Safety and Disorder: He suggested that two off-licences side by side could increase the risk of antisocial behaviour and street drinking.
• Public Nuisance: He expressed concern about increased noise, littering, and loitering.
• Health and Social Impact: He argued that concentrating alcohol sales in a small area could encourage harmful consumption.
• Business Sustainability: He suggested that another off-licence would negatively impact his business.

Dharak Patel represented Kaushalkumar Patel at the hearing.

Committee Considerations

The sub-committee acknowledged the concerns raised by Mr Patel, but noted that:

• Licensing Objectives: Some of the concerns raised, such as the impact on Mr Patel's business, were not relevant to the four licensing objectives[^4] outlined in the Licensing Act 2003. [^4]: The four licensing objectives of the Licensing Act 2003 are: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm.

• Responsible Operator: The sub-committee considered the applicant to be a professional and responsible business operator who was willing to work with authorities and neighbours.

• Lack of Evidence: There was no evidence to suggest that the business would cause crime, disorder, or nuisance.

• Conditions Addressed Concerns: The conditions outlined in the operating schedule and agreed with the police and licensing would address the objector's concerns and uphold the licensing objectives.

The sub-committee also noted that no representations had been received from the responsible authorities¹.

Conditions

The conditions agreed upon with the police included:

• CCTV: A CCTV system must be installed and maintained, recording 24 hours a day, with recordings retained for a minimum of 31 days. The system must be capable of providing evidential quality images in any light conditions.
• Challenge 25: The premises must operate a Challenge 25 policy, requiring customers who appear under 25 to provide proof of age.
• Refusals Book: A register of refused sales of age-restricted products must be maintained.
• Dispersal: Staff must monitor the shop frontage to ensure customers do not loiter or drink outside, and customers must be reminded to leave the area quietly.
• Sale of Alcohol: There shall be no supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, and every sale of alcohol must be in sealed containers.

The Licensing Service also suggested a number of additional conditions relating to the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These were accepted by the applicant.

Councillor Sally Littlejohn, Chair of the Sub-Committee, stated that the sub-committee believed the applicant was a professional and responsible business operator who was willing to work with Responsible Authorities and their neighbours to keep the neighbourhood safe .