The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Euro Convenience Store. The meeting was to be held virtually via MS Teams.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Euro Convenience Store

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Euro Convenience Store, located at 30 Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6EB. The application, submitted by Vijithakanthan Selvarasa and managed by agent Nira Suresh of Arka Licensing Consultants, sought permission for the sale of alcohol by retail for consumption off the premises, with proposed opening hours from 06:00 to 00:00, seven days a week.

The report pack indicated that the premises is situated within a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) area, which is in place to address issues related to street drinking and anti-social behaviour. Both the Chief Officer of Police and the Licensing Authority had lodged objections to the application in its current form. These objections centred on concerns that the proposed operating schedule did not adequately address the issues that led to the implementation of the PSPO, specifically regarding the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder.

The report detailed a history of the premises' licensing status, including the surrender of a previous licence in November 2023. It also outlined a series of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) that had been used to cover periods where alcohol sales were permitted while the new licence application was pending. The application itself included a proposed operating schedule with various conditions aimed at promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The report pack also included the Buckinghamshire Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which provides guidance on how the council promotes the licensing objectives. This policy highlights the importance of addressing street drinking in areas with PSPOs and outlines expected measures for off-licence premises, such as restrictions on the sale of single cans or bottles, high-strength alcohol, and the requirement for staff training on local alcohol-related issues.

The Fire and Rescue Authority had not raised any objections. The report also noted that the Local Planning Authority, the Local Environmental Health Authority, the Weights and Measures Authority, and the Safeguarding and Child Protection Unit had not submitted responses. No other representations were received from members of the public during the consultation period.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was to consider the application in light of the relevant representations, the council's licensing policy, and national guidance issued by the Home Office under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. The available options for the Sub-Committee included granting the licence with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a premises supervisor, rejecting the application entirely, or granting the licence with different conditions for different parts of the premises or activities.

The meeting was also scheduled to note the hearing procedure rules and virtual licensing sub-committee procedural rules.