Batley store granted alcohol licence despite 'significant' concerns raised by councillors

On Friday, December 2, 2022, the licensing department received an application for the grant of a premises licence for Sun News on Healey Lane, Batley. The applicant requested that they could sell alcohol between the hours of 7am to 10pm for consumption off the premises.

The application was brought to this week’s meeting of Kirklees Council’s Licensing Panel where it was granted approval despite significant concerns from local councillors.

At the meeting, Anil Bhawsar from Greenhill Licences spoke on behalf of the applicants. He explained that between them, the couple has 15 years of experience working in off-licences and acquired the shop three months ago.

The store was described as a newsagent and grocery store primarily, with the owners wishing to add a small section, taking up 10 to 15 per cent of the store, to display alcohol.

Mr Bhawsar added: “The retailers are responsible in all their actions as a retailer…further down the road there is another store and the objectors mention that, but this does not indicate that these retailers will behave in the same manner that the other retailer has behaved.”

All three Batley West Labour councillors objected to the plans, raising their concerns over public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. Leader of the council, Shabir Pandor (Labour, Batley West) explained that there have been many instances where drinking and drug abuse has taken place in Jessop Park. This was said to cause ‘major upset’ amongst residents and has taken a lot of time and resources to sort out.

Coun Yusra Hussain (Labour, Batley West) was also concerned about the potential activity in Jessop Park. She said: “Given the issues that have been raised in case work – around Jessop Park – Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), drug and alcohol abuse, crime and disorder. Coupled with the fact there is another off licence nearby. It would not be wise to approve this.”

When making her objection, Coun Gwen Lowe (Labour, Batley West) declared an interest explaining that she lives quite close to the shop. She said: “There already is an off-licence only several yards away further across the road, junction of Mortimer Avenue. Alcohol bought from here is sometimes consumed on the steps of the old warehouse across the road – bottles and cans just left. So, I don’t feel there’s a need for another one.

“We also suffer from intermittent antisocial behaviour from youths in this. Evidence of them congregating and drinking is on the nearby snicket where frequently empty cans and bottles (particularly Budweiser) are found. I’ve also witnessed males on this snicket in the middle of the morning drinking alcohol here. Walking the dog doesn’t feel safe.”

At the meeting, Coun Amanda Pinnock (Labour, Ashbrow) wanted the applicant to address the issues raised by the three local councillors.

In response, Mr Bhawsar said: “Having done checks and speaking to local police, especially with regard to ASB, we did not get any untoward reaction to us supplying for an off-licence. Having spoken to the noise team and environmental department, we’ve not had any negative responses. Had we had a negative response, we could implement any measures needed.

“This application is based on them being a responsible retailer for the long term. What we can say to objections in this response, this family will be completely responsible and they’re regularly going to be trained. Should they employ any part-time staff they will also be trained and records will be kept.”

The application was approved by the panel with the conditions requested by the applicant.