Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

            One Step Licensing Appeal

3.1       The Chairman explained that since the last Licensing Committee, the Licensing Authority had won an important victory (27 April) by using a One Step licensing appeal. The Magistrates court had upheld the decision made by the Licensing Panel of 5 January 2010 to refuse permission for a convenience store in West Street to operate as an off licence. The Panel decision had considered and given weight to concerns raised by the police, residents ward councillors and the Children and Young People’s Trust that an additional outlet selling alcohol in West Street would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and undermine licensing objectives. The magistrates’ dismissed the appeal from the operators being concerned that the premises were in the most sensitive part of the Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) and had accepted evidence presented by the police that one more premises would undermine the licensing objectives in this highly stressed area and would have an adverse effect.

3.2       The decision of the magistrate’s court was very important as it  showed that as expert licensing councillors Members could have confidence in heir decisions and policy making. It was a vindication for sensibly grounded public policy and a good example of regulation by a mature, accountable licensing authority in touch with local people and alcohol issues working in close partnership with experts like the Sussex police.

3.3       RESOLVED – That the position be noted.