Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from WSCC Public Health and Sussex Police.

The procedure the Licensing Panelwillfollowin considering the application is set outin the Licensing Act2003,its attendantRegulations and was agreed by the Licensing Committee on 2nd February2005.  The Licensing Panel,in accordance with rule 14 of the Licensing Act2003 (Hearings)Regulations 2005 decide to exclude the public fromallorpartof the hearing where the Licensing Panelconsiders thatitis in the public interestto do so.

None.

Introduction and outline of the report

Jon Bryant, Senior Licensing Officer introduced the report to determine an application submitted by West Sussex Trading Standards to review a Premises Licence at Morrisons Daily, Church Road, Copthorne, West Sussex, RH10 3RA. The grounds for the review relate to the licensing objectives of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder and the Protection of Children from Harm.

The review cites the sale of alcohol to a child during a test purchase operation conducted by Trading Standards on the 8th of February 2023 and the subsequent enquiries that were made into the incident. Two further Responsible Authorities, Sussex Police and WSCC Public Health, have submitted representations in support of the review application.

He noted that the Panel must determine this matter on the evidence presented to it during the hearing having due regard to the Licensing Act 2003, MSDC Licensing Policy and the Home Office Guidance issued under Section 182 Licensing Act 2003.

He confirmed that the premises concerned is at Church Road, Copthorne, West Sussex, RH10 3RA and is currently known as Morrisons Daily. It has been licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises since November 2005 under Licence Number PWA0095. Prior to this date the premises benefitted from a Justices Licence issued under the Licensing Act 1964.

The Premises Licence was transferred to the current premises licence holder, Alliance Property Holdings Limited, Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 7DL on the 10th May 2022 when the premises was formerly known as McColls.

At the time of the incidents referred to within the review application submitted by Trading Standards, the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) was Sarah Mahoney. She was employed at a different branch within the company and was not permanently located at this store. The DPS was changed on the 4th of August 2023 to an Andrew Vickers.

He noted that the current Premises Licence is attached at Appendix 2. The premises is currently licensed for the following licensable activities:

The current opening hours of the premises are:

            Sunday                       10:00 - 22:30

            Monday to Saturday   08:00 - 23:00

The premises operates as a convenience store and is located within Copthorne village. Photos of the store are attached at Appendix 3.

He confirmed that there are currently no extra conditions attached to the licence in addition to the mandatory licence conditions.

The Officer noted that West Sussex Trading Standards have applied for a review of the premises licence based on the sale of alcohol to a child that took place during a test purchasing operation that they conducted on the 8th of February 2023.

They cite that they received information regarding underage sales of alcohol and vapes. An advice visit was made to the store in August 2022 where they spoke to the manager at that time, Ms Kirstie East, regarding the sale of age restricted products, provided advice  ...  view the full minutes text for item LS.3