A premises licence has been granted by County Hall to turn a former Ryde furniture store into an off-licence, despite 28 objections being lodged against the plans.
Councillors sitting on the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing sub-committee decided on Monday (24th August) to grant applicant Jonathan Croos a premises licence for the former Richwoods shop at 48 Melville Street.
The decision will allow the former furniture store to begin a new chapter as a ‘modern convenience store’ operating as an off-licence.
Mr Croos’s application sought permission for the sale of alcohol from Monday to Sunday between 07:00 and 22:00.
As previously reported by Island Echo, County Hall received 28 relevant representations opposing the application during the consultation period, with just one representation submitted in support.
Concerns raised ahead of the meeting included public nuisance, anti-social behaviour, crime, litter, refuse and waste management and public safety.
The licence has now been approved subject to several conditions.
Explaining the reasons behind the decision, the Isle of Wight Council’s principal lawyer, Ben Gard, said the sub-committee had sought to promote the licensing objectives while acting in line with the council’s statement of licensing policy and statutory guidance.
The licensing objectives include the prevention of public nuisance, the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm.
A council report said:
“The sub-committee may attach weight to the fact that the responsible authorities with expertise in public nuisance and crime and disorder matters, namely Environmental Health and the Police Authority, are satisfied that the revised operating schedule and agreed conditions are sufficient to promote the licensing objectives.”
Conditions attached to the licence include prominent signage at all exits asking customers to leave quietly.
A responsible member of staff will also be required to carry out ‘proactive litter patrols’ outside the premises as frequently as necessary and at least once during each trading day.
A maintained CCTV system must also be installed and operated whenever the premises is open to the public.
Cllr Alex Lewington, representing Ryde Town Council, told the sub-committee:
“The prevention of nuisance was and remains my main but not only area of concern. Namely, the problem of noise and light pollution where none has hitherto existed.”
Cllr Lewington also argued that CCTV had ‘never been effective’ in preventing ‘certain misdemeanours’.
Quoting the UK College of Policing, he added:
“There is evidence that CCTV reduces crime overall…there was no evidence of an effect on violent crime and disorder.”
A representative for Mr Croos highlighted that none of the responsible authorities had made a representation against the application.
They told councillors:
“This premises licence, if you grant it, is going to be very well regulated – has all the standard conditions you would expect to see on any off-licence, with CCTV, Challenge 25, staff training, refusal books etc.
“But also, Mr Croos has gone that extra mile agreeing conditions about alarming the premises, litter, etc.”
