Agenda item

To consider a new Premises Licence application for Asankabites Ltd, 106 High Street, Strood, Rochester following the submission of representations, received during the consultation period.

Discussion:

The Chairperson asked those present to introduce themselves.

The Licensing Officer informed the Panel that the applicant had applied for a new Premises Licence for Asankabites Ltd, 106 High Street, Strood, Rochester ME2 4TR. 

All responsible authorities had been consulted in line with the Licensing Act 2003, and a representation had been received from a member of the public. Conditions regarding CCTV and training had been agreed with Kent Police.

The application was for:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol (On and Off Sales)

Monday to Saturday               10:00 to 22:00

Sunday                                    12:00 to 20:00

The Chairperson invited the applicant to speak in support of their application.

The applicant explained that the premises would be a new restaurant selling African food and that the licence was to compliment the food sold to the public and the sale of alcohol was not intended to be the main business.

The applicant informed the Panel that the aim was to open and sell alcohol from Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 10pm and these times had been amended since the original application was submitted.

Kent Police had contacted the applicant regarding conditions on CCTV and training, these had been accepted and CCTV and a training programme for staff had been put in place.

With regards to fire safety, a fire risk assessment was not yet completed due to ongoing building works but would take place when the premises were fully operational.

The applicant said that the objector had raised concerns regarding noise, anti-social behaviour and waste. The applicant explained that there were no plans for loud music. The applicant informed the Panel that they already operated a shop nearby and they had spoken to neighbouring restaurants and was not aware of any anti-social behaviour regarding alcohol sales. With regards to waste, the applicant explained that weekly collections would be in place and rubbish would not cause a problem for the local community.

The Panel questioned the applicant and confirmed that hours required had been amended to 12pm to 10pm and that there was no intention to sell alcohol from 10am with breakfast.

In response to a query about when the premises was due to open, the applicant confirmed that the building works were due to be finished in the first week of December and it was hoped to open the premises before Christmas.

The applicant’s understanding of the Cumulative Impact Policy and Strood Stress Area was queried. The applicant explained that measures and training had been put in place to ensure that there would not be any misconduct on the premises.

The requirement for off sales was queried and the applicant stated that this had been included to cover zero percent alcohol beverages and energy drinks that would be ordered with food and that there would not be any off sales of alcohol.

In summing up the applicant explained that neighbours should not be concerned as the premises would be operated following strict protocols and the requirements of the Police and fire safety.

With the exception of the Legal Representative and the Democratic Services Officer, all present, left the room during the Panel’s deliberations, returning to hear the Panel’s decision.

Decision:

The Panel, having considered all the written evidence and listened carefully to the oral evidence presented by the applicant, decided to grant the premises licence for Asankabites Ltd, 106 High Street, Strood, Rochester ME2 4TR with the following amendment:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol (On Sales only)

Monday to Sunday                  12:00 to 22:00