Fears of criminal activity led to the refusal of an offer from a store for a liquor license.
Ramesh Babu Mohan applied for a business license for City Stores, in Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, in November – just three weeks after the previous owner, Arumugam Sarankan, lost his license due to an illegal worker serving as the alcohol to two 15-year-olds.
But members of the South Holland District Council’s panel for the licensing authority committee denied the request at this morning’s hearing over concerns over Mr Mohan’s ties to Mr Sarankan.
The decision notice states: “The committee does not believe that there is a sufficient distance between the applicant and the current business license holder whose business license was revoked on October 20, 2021, which is currently the subject of an appeal.
“The applicant has confirmed that he is selling alcohol on the premises as it appears he took over the business in November 2021 and is doing so under the current premises license and with Mr. Sarankan as Designated Premises Supervisor A Designated Premises Supervisor has overall responsibility for the sale of alcohol and therefore the existing licensee and DPS must therefore always be linked to the business to ensure legal compliance .
“The Panel is therefore concerned that this link exists, that criminal activity is likely to take place at the premises due to the history of what happened before, and therefore the licensing objective. prevention of crime and disorder will not be achieved.
“The committee is further concerned about the applicant’s ability to manage the premises, as a number of issues have yet to be resolved as it appears he has taken over the business, such as updating her address on her personal license, change of address to Companies House, amending company rates and dealing with her food registration certification. The Committee was also concerned that the applicant had not identified that a late night refreshment certificate was required given the requested hours of operation / authorization.
“The request is therefore refused.”
Councilor Anthony Casson, holder of the South Holland District Council for Public Protection portfolio, said: “The decision taken by the licensing committee today is important to help continue to prevent crime and disorder. in South Holland and doing everything possible to keep our residents safe.
“Licensing goals exist for a reason, and it’s crucial that any licensed company understands and follows them and shows that they can manage premises effectively. Wherever we have any concerns about this, we will always seek to take quick action to make matters right and protect buyers. “
