Cambridge City Council defends its decision to grant Co-op a new premises licence
Last week Asitha Ranatunga represented Cambridge City Council defending its decision to grant a new premises licence to the Co-op on Mill Road, within one of the Council’s Cumulative Impact Areas.
The appeal was brought by a Local Ward Councillor, arguing that the policy presumption against the grant of a new licence should have led to refusal. The Council’s judgment was that the grant of the licence – taking account of the alcohol offer at Co-op, together with a comprehensive set of conditions – would not be likely to add to the street drinking issues in the Mill Road area, in circumstances where there are a number of established independent retailers on Mill Road who sell cheap, high-strength alcohol.
The case was heard before a District Judge in Colchester Magistrates’ Court. Judgment is awaited.
