Issue - meetings

To consider an application to allow Supply of Alcohol at the premises for 24 hours a day.

The Licensing Officer, Ms Dale Barrett, presented the report on an application for a premises licence variation at Eros Grocers, 120a Alexandra Park Road, Muswell Hill, London N10. It was reported that the representations made by the Metropolitan Police and the child protection team had been agreed with the applicant, and had therefore been withdrawn. A large number of representations had been received from local residents, objecting to the sale of alcohol for 24 hours a day at the premises and expressing concerns that this would lead to issues with loitering outside the premises and nuisance caused by people being attracted from outside of the local area.

Cllr Nigel Scott, Ward Councillor, addressed the Committee in objection to the application, and stated that the premises was located in a predominantly residential area, and so there would be no local demand for the sale of alcohol for 24 hours a day. Cllr Scott expressed concern that 24 hour sales of alcohol would therefore attract people from outside the local area, and that this would cause a disturbance to residents. In response to a question from the Committee, Cllr Scott stated that he did not feel that there was any need for an extension of the existing licensing hours. Cllr Scott confirmed, in response to a question from the applicant, that he did not directly link any incidents of anti social behaviour in the area specifically to Eros.

Other local residents addressed the Committee in objection to the application emphasising the residential nature of the area, and that the facility to buy alcohol for 24 hours would attract people from outside the area, causing nuisance due to noise from cars and anti social behaviour. Residents stated that they supported the rights of local businesses to earn a living, but not at the expense of the communities within which they were situated. It was reported that there had been issues in the past with young people causing a nuisance outside the premises, and one local resident reported an incident in which her son had been followed by youths from outside the premises, who had demanded money. Residents expressed concern at the effect a late night licence would have on the area, and in particular on people who needed to get up early for work. Concerns were also expressed that local residents would feel less safe travelling home at night if there was a 24 hour alcohol licence in place at the local shop, especially as the area was very quiet and there would be no police presence.

In response to questions from the Committee, all the local residents present felt that there was no need to extend the current licence at the premises. It was also confirmed that the incident in which a child had been followed and asked for money could be linked to the premises as, when the Police had investigated, the suspect had returned to stand directly outside Eros.

Mr Kilic, representing the applicant, addressed the Committee in support of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6