Agenda and minutes

To consider an application for a premises licence in respect of Heron Foods, Unit 9-10, Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech PE13 1AR.

Members considered an application for a premises licence in respect of Heron Foods, Unit 9-10, Horsefair, Wisbech. 

The Chairman introduced the Panel and others present were:

·       Chris Berry, Area Manager, Heron Foods

·       Sarah Taylor, Store Manager, Heron Foods, Wisbech

·       Andrew Woods, Solicitor for Heron Foods

·       Joseph Keegan, Public Health for Cambridgeshire County Council

The Licensing Officer, Michelle Bishop, outlined the report advising that the supermarket are applying for off sales of alcohol, Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm.  She pointed out that during the statutory 28-day consultation period, two objections were received; one from Public Health and one from Cambridgeshire Constabulary. However, the police consequently withdrew their objection as they are happy with the conditions agreed by both parties.    

Joseph Keegan gave his representation on behalf of the Director of Public Health. He highlighted the evidence regarding local public health issues, in particular alcohol and its misuse, the consequences and destructive impact. He understood that Heron would not necessarily be aware of these consequences and did not want to put the burden on them, but felt duty-bound to make it clear to them.  He added that it was the professional opinion of Public Health that there are already enough premises selling alcohol in Wisbech and the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) policy is in place.

The Chairman invited questions from the panel and applicant. 

Councillor Hoy stated that there had been a store in the same complex as Heron which closed at least a year ago and it had a large area selling alcohol. The statistics showed there was no decrease in street drinking after it closed and Councillor Hoy asked Mr Keegan if he knew why that might be. Mr Keegan said that the drinkers probably diverted to the 19 other places selling alcohol in that area. Councillor Hoy said based on that, if we were to offer a licence it would not make things worse. Mr Keegan added that the CIZ is in place for a good reason, there is supposed to be a rebuttable presumption saying that we would refuse any premises opening, so why we would want to increase the risk? He can only advise on the cumulative impact seen in the area.

The Chairman invited the applicant to provide their representation.

Andrew Woods stated that the panel had visited the shop this morning, Mr Keegan has rightly put in a representation and yes, there is a policy in place. However, the policy relates to whether there will be an impact on the four licensing objectives and he would hope to be able to persuade the panel that granting this licence will have no impact on those licensing objectives, taking into account Mr Keegan’s representation with regards to the wider issues. 

Mr Woods pointed out the following:

·       This is a fairly minimal application for alcohol in terms of the hours applied for and the range and extent of the alcohol on offer. The character of the shop is that the sale  ...  view the full minutes text for item LH2/19