Agenda item

The Chair welcomed all parties to the meeting and outlined the procedure for the hearing. It was confirmed that all parties had received a copy of the paperwork.

Introduction by the Licensing Officer

The Assistant Licensing Officer introduced a report, setting out an application for an annual Street Trading Consent on the High Street, Slough submitted by Mr Daley, trading as Alternative Perfumes.  The proposed business concerned the sale of  costume jewellery, perfume, cosmetics, sunglasses, and hair accessories (operational hours Monday to Friday 08:00am to 18:30pm). The Sub-Committee was reminded that it had the option to grant the Application subject to conditions, variations, or restrictions deemed necessary; or to refuse the Application.

The Officer discussed the requirement to apply for street trading and it was highlighted that the High Street was limited to five Street Trading pitches and at present there were two vacancies.  The Council was obliged to consult on such applications and the application was referred to the Sub-Committee for determination because one objection was received from Councillor Hussain. 

Questions to the Licensing Officer

None.

Representations by the Applicant

The Applicant was invited to address the Sub-Committee and advised that he had twenty years experience as a Street Trader, having operated in various markets in London. Mr Daley discussed the reasons why he wished to operate on the High Street and he felt that his stall would add something to the street scene. He advised that his products were of lower value than shop products but of good quality. He emphasised that he was a professional trader and he would comply with the terms of the consent at all times.

Questions to the Applicant

Members asked whether other individuals would be employed on the stall and were advised that there would only be cover if the Applicant needed to leave for short periods.  The Officer confirmed that another individual was named on the application form.

Representations by the Objector

Councillor Hussain addressed the Sub-Committee under Rule 30 and discussed her objections to the consent.  She was concerned that the Trader would not offer anything different and the goods on offer would already be available elsewhere on the High Street. She stated that residents were looking for better quality products than would be offered and she would prefer the approval to be for seasonal use only. The Officer advised that the pitches could only be granted for a period of one year and if allowed, the Order could be revoked or refused next year if there were concerns. Councillor Hussain also objected on the grounds that granting the application would set a precedent for others; the economic viability of other local businesses selling similar products could be affected and there would be a loss of view to current shop holders if the Consent was granted.

Summing Up.

Both parties provided a brief summary, following which they were asked to leave the meeting whilst the Sub-Committee deliberated.

Decision

All parties were asked to return to the meeting.

The Sub-Committee carefully considered the submissions made and from the evidence available did not feel that the objections were wellfounded.  The Sub-Committee decided to allow the application for Street Trading Consent as set out in the Officer’s report. In reaching their decision, Members were of the view that the type of trading detailed in the application would offer diversity and benefit the High Street. 

Resolved – That the application for a Street Trading Consent for ‘Alternative Perfumes’, in the High Street, Slough, be granted.