(Sevenoaks Town & St. Johns)

The Hearing gave consideration to a report by the Chief Officer Environmental and Operational Services giving details of an application under the Licensing Act 2003 for a premises licence at The Old Post Office, 13 High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HZ. It was noted that objections had been received and that accordingly the application had been referred to the Sub-Committee for determination.

The Hearing heard from the Applicant who explained that the application was made due to economic circumstances and other options such as groceries and stationery had been tried previously but they were not viable. Business had slowed down since the closure of the Post Office section.

In response to a question from the Sub Committee, the Applicant confirmed that the alcohol would be stored behind the counter.

The hearing heard from a representative from Sevenoaks School who reported that there were 1,200 students whose ages were between 11 and 18. 300 of the students boarded at the school. Even if they were over the age of 18 they were not allowed to consume alcohol on the school’s sites as they were under the school’s protection. There was a good relationship between the Applicant and the Objectors as many of the students were regular users of the shop. Concerns had been raised with the school’s Pastoral Deputy Head about alcohol being sold at such proximity to the site which would expose the children to risk. There had been reports of the use of fake IDs. There had also been incidents with members of the public of physical and verbal abuse from other licensed premises in Sevenoaks.

The Hearing heard from the Applicant who explained that he had been running the shop since 1993, that he knew most of the students and did not sell cigarettes to students from the school.

The Sub Committee noted that there was a good relationship between both parties.

At 10.58 a.m. the Sub-Committee agreed to an adjournment to allow the Applicant and Objectors to discuss whether a solution acceptable to all parties could be put to the Sub-Committee.

At 11:12 a.m. the Hearing Members, Council’s Legal Advisor and Clerk to the Hearing returned to the Council Chamber.

The Objectors explained that there had not been an agreement. The applicant was concerned that if the sale of alcohol were restricted to after school hours it  mean the loss of passing trade and so would be detrimental to his business.

At 11.15 a.m. the Hearing Members withdrew to consider the issues raised accompanied by the Council’s Legal Advisor and the Clerk to the Hearing for the purpose of providing advice only.

At 11.30 a.m. the Hearing Members, Council’s Legal Advisor and the Clerk to the Hearing  returned to the Council Chamber.

The Objectors explained that a new proposal had been reached that the premises would be licensed to sell alcohol on Monday to Saturday from 09.00 hours to 13:00 hours, 14:30 hours until 16:15 hours and 16:45 hours until 23:00. There would be no amendments to the proposed Sunday hours. Mr Patel agreed with the change of hours.

The Chairman informed the Hearing that the Sub-Committee had had regard to the Licensing Objectives, to the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy. It was moved that the licence be granted subject to the agreed changes and it was unanimously,

Resolved: That a Premises Licence in respect of The Old Post Office, 13 High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HZ subject to the conditions contained in the licence attached as an appendix to these minutes.