Wokingham Borough Council's first alcohol licence review hearing sends out strong message to off-licence holders
Wokingham Borough Council has held its first review of a shop’s alcohol licence since taking over as the licensing authority in 2005 and suspended the licence of Barrett Food Stores, Barrett Crescent, Wokingham.
Thames Valley Police applied for the review after Barrett Food Stores, Wokingham failed a test purchase and the police came to believe there was a lack of management in respect of licensing law at the premises and some training issues over the sale of alcohol.
The Wokingham review was heard by the licensing and appeals (hearings) sub committee on Wednesday January 27 and the premise’s licence was suspended for a maximum of three months or until the store proves to the council that all the staff selling alcohol have undergone accredited training to do so.
Wokingham Borough Council became the licensing authority after licensing law changed in 2005 and it took over the role from Justices of the Peace. Since then, the council has worked closely with the police and licence holders themselves to cut sales of alcohol to under-age drinkers and to ensure licence holders act responsibly. This is the first time since taking over the role that Wokingham Borough Council has had to review a licence.
Wokingham Borough Council principal licensing officer Julia O’Brien said: “It is testament to the way all those involved in alcohol licensing have worked together that this is only the first time we have had to review a licence since taking over in November 2005. This has not been down to undue leniency on our part – we have always been ready to take enforcement action if necessary – but working together to train and support alcohol licence holders is by far the most effective way to ensure they act responsibly.
“It is a shame that we have had to have this review and the licence has been suspended, but it is a reminder to other licensees that will act if there is a feeling that licence holders are not acting responsibly.”
Wokingham Borough Council’s licensing policy has four objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Licence reviews can be requested by organisations such as the police, fire services and the council’s children’s services if they have concerns about a licence in relation to any of these. Thames Valley Police applied for the review into Barrett Food Stores premises licence because it believed the licence holder had seriously undermined licensing objectives of protection of children from harm and prevention of crime and disorder.
Wokingham Borough Council
