Agenda and minutes

Councillor Benstead was appointed as Chair for the meeting.  

None.  

All parties noted the procedure.  

The Licensing Officer presented the report and outlined the application.

It was noted that that the applicant wished to extend opening hours until 11pm, not 11.30pm as indicated in the report. It was also noted that the report incorrectly stated 28 representations had been received, but two additional ones should have been included, making 30. 2 interested parties had however withdrawn their representations, leaving 28 in total.

Applicant’s Counsel

Mr Graham made the following points on behalf of the applicant:

        i.            No extension for the supply of alcohol was being requested for Monday –Saturday evenings. This would remain at 11pm.

      ii.            An extension of 30 minutes for the supply of alcohol was being requested for Sunday evenings. 

    iii.            It was requested that the supply of alcohol be permitted from 6am Monday-Sunday, which would mirror the current opening hours of the store.

   iv.            Co-op was the fifth largest retailer in the country with over 3800 stores, employing 76,000 staff.

     v.            The sale of alcohol made up 15% of the total shop turnover.

   vi.            Co-op had effective policies and procedures in place to deal with the supply of alcohol.

 vii.            Regional and National Risk Managers worked closely with the Police and Local Authorities in each area. 

viii.            Every new member of Co-op staff had to undertake an examination based training course. This included a 4-hour training course, a 2-week ‘buddy system’ and refresher training every 6 months.

   ix.            Each till in the store electronically prompted staff to check the age of any shopper buying alcohol.

     x.            A ‘Challenge 25’ policy was in place in each store.

   xi.            For security reasons all alcohol would be stored away from the main front doors.

 xii.            16 CCTV cameras were in place at the Hills Road store.

xiii.            Co-op had clearly demonstrated that they take their responsibilities seriously and there was no record of issues with any store across the country.

xiv.            It was essential to maintain customer confidence and Co-op therefore had stringent policies and procedures in place with regards to the sale of alcohol.

 xv.            This application for an increase in hours, and similar ones at Co-Op stores across the country, was driven purely by customer demand. Customers had indicated that they wanted the flexibility to do a full shop, including alcohol, at any time during opening hours (for example: at 6am after a night shift).

xvi.            This application for an increase in hours was not profit driven. This morning (12 June 2012) between 8am and 9am only 2 alcohol purchases had been made at the Hills Road store for a total of £7.

xvii.            The Hills Road store had been in place since August 2001, employed 22 staff, and was a responsible member of the community. The store was also a member of the CAMBAC scheme.

xviii.            Co-op had worked closely with the local police and Licensing officers in the run up to Strawberry Fair. Co-op agreed to limit the amount of alcohol that could be purchased on the day of the event  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.