The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for Whitehills Post Office, and ultimately decided to defer making a decision for up to five working days. The application, made by Rajesh Khunti, seeks permission to sell alcohol from the premises between 6am and midnight, Monday to Sunday. The sub-committee heard arguments from Frank Fender, agent for Mr Khunti, and considered written objections from local residents.

Premises Licence Application: Whitehills Post Office

The sub-committee considered a new premises licence application for Whitehills Post Office, located at 12 Whitehills Crescent, Northampton, NN2 8EP. The application, submitted by Rajesh Khunti, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between the hours of 6:00 and 24:00, Monday to Sunday. Mr Khunti also applied to be the designated premises supervisor (DPS). According to the Whitehills Post Office report, Mr Khunti holds a personal licence issued by West Northamptonshire Council.

Ed Bostock, Democratic Services Officer, introduced the report, noting that the application was received on 4 September 2025 and that during the 28-day statutory consultation period, two objections were received from members of the public.

Frank Fender, agent representing Mr Khunti, addressed the sub-committee, stating that Mr Kunti is an experienced operator of licensed premises, who has held a personal licence since 2012 and has held premises licences at several other locations. Mr Fender emphasised that Mr. Kunti has never had any issues with the authorities at any of his premises. He also highlighted the fact that none of the responsible authorities¹ had raised any objections to the application.

Mr Fender then addressed the two representations received from local residents, arguing that they were not relevant to the licensing objectives². He said that concerns about the need for another premises selling alcohol, the level of foot traffic, the proximity of other businesses selling alcohol, and traffic volume were all irrelevant considerations. He argued that the assertion that allowing the post office to stay open until midnight would encourage street drinking and antisocial behaviour was a very generalised statement lacking any supporting evidence. He also stated that fly-tipping is more likely to occur at empty premises, and that the licence holder would be responsible for keeping the area outside the premises clean and tidy.

Mr Fender concluded by asking the sub-committee to give very little weight to the representations and to grant the application as applied for, stating that the Licensing Act is permissive legislation and that there were no good reasons to refuse the application.

Councillor Julie Davenport stated that it was always good for democracy that people can have their say, but Mr Fender responded that he would like to see objections that are relevant to the licensing objectives.

James Chadwick, Legal Advisor to the Hearing Panel, clarified that the council's usual procedure is to issue a written decision within five working days. He added that while there is no obligation to expedite the process, the request to do so would be taken into consideration.

Ultimately, the sub-committee decided to defer making a decision, which will be communicated to all parties in writing within five working days.