The Council has decided to grant a new premises licence for off sales of alcohol at a convenience store in Virginia Water.

URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1778

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content:   The Sub-Committee was asked to determine an application for a new Premises Licence, in respect of Blacktree Stores Ltd, for 11 Station Parade, Virigina Water, GU25 4AB.   The applicants attended in person but were not represented.  All parties were introduced.   The Council’s Senior Licensing Officer presented their report which it was noted was unchanged since publication.  The application was for off sales only of alcohol, from 06:00 – 23:00 Monday – Sunday, with the opening hours mirroring those of the proposed licensable activity.   Members noted the proposed location of the convenience store, and were advised that a site meeting had taken place involving the applicants, Police Alcohol Licensing Officer, and the Council’s Senior Licensing Officer.  A number of issues had been discussed, including the proposed conditions to promote the licensing objectives, that were included with the application, which would be enforceable, if the licence was granted.  These were set out in full in the agenda papers.   It was confirmed that none of the Responsible Authorities had made any objections to the application for a premises licence being granted.  However three residents had made relevant representations, which were summarised and appended in full.   The Sub-Committee was directed to the relevant sections of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.   There being no questions for the Senior Licensing Officer, the applicants were then invited to state their case.   The applicants addressed each of the Objector’s concerns; confirming their intention to provide litter bins outside the premises to deter littering, and clarifying that Station Parade and Station Approach contained three other convenience stores, two of which with identical hours to those sought.  The applicants had 22 years of experience in the trade, with a number of outlets they had successfully managed over the years.  They would be taking a ‘hands on’ interest in the business, and demonstrated a clear knowledge of retail in alcohol and an appreciation of the licensing objectives; including how to prevent, as far as reasonable possible, under age sales, and shoplifting (by for example in one store they only allowed up to 3 children in the shop at any one time between the hours of 15:00 and 17:00 hours).  They utilised an e-software package to log incidents and till prompts for age verification which produced instant reports, in which all staff would be trained.  This was considered more robust than a paper register.   The applicants were well versed in operating retail outlets, and doing local research to identify that Station Parade was likely to be successful, with footfall from the railway station nearby.   In response to questions from the Sub-Committee, the applicants confirmed staffing arrangements, training, and the importance of building a positive rapport and good ties with the community in which they wished to operate.  The store’s design was also reviewed, it being established that spirits would only be accessible by staff behind the counter, which re-assured the Sub-Committee.   The Senior Licensing Officer emphasised the importance of logging any criminal activity with the Police, which the applicants readily agreed with.   In their closing statement the applicants re-iterated that as independent operators they could provide an excellent and responsive level of service to the community, and the proposed conditions would help promote the licensing objectives.   The Sub-Committee retired to determine the application at 17:25 and re-convened at 17:40.   Members had regard to the evidence presented orally and in the agenda papers, taking into account the relevant representations, and in turn the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and revised guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.    Members were impressed by the applicants’ thorough knowledge, experience, and awareness of their responsibilities, and jurisdiction.  Members also considered the applicants had taken appropriate and proportionate steps to promote the licensing objectives, address concerns raised by the objectors, and also took into account that no responsible authorities had made any representations.    The Sub-Committee was content to grant the application for a new premises licence, subject to the conditions which had been offered by the applicants in their Operating Schedule of the application.   The Sub-Committee wished the applicants well, noting that should there be issues in the future, the option to review the licence if called to do so remained, as was standard practice if the licensing objectives were being undermined.   Resolved that –   the application for a premises licence in respect of Blacktree Stores Limited, 11 Station Parade, Virginia Water, GU25 4AB, be granted, subject to the conditions as set out in the agenda

Date of Decision: July 29, 2026