Press Release

27 August 2024

Licensing Panel Revoke Costcutter License

Following a meeting of the Licensing Panel on 14 August, regarding the Costcutter store at 167 West Street, Fareham, the Panel has determined to revoke the premises licence.

The premises have had its licence to sell alcohol revoked after illicit items were discovered on site, in addition to a significant seizure of vapes on a previous occasion by trading standards.

On that occasion, the authorities choose to attempt to educate the premises licence holder. However, even after education and guidance given, the premises licence had continued to be breached. In addition, proper signage was not in place at the premises, in accordance with the licence conditions, and stock had not been purchased from a reputable wholesaler. 

With this being a second offence, the Panel was left with little option but to revoke the licence, due to the premises licence holder’s failure to promote the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and protection of children from harm.

Chair of the Licensing Panel Cllr Mrs Pamela Bryant said: “Having heard all the evidence, and after much deliberation the panel has determined to revoke the licence of Costcutter in Fareham West Street. This is not done lightly but after much consideration and in view of the serious nature of the licensing breaches. The Panel accepted that the license holder had taken some steps to try to improve their position, but these were done largely after the review application was made and was too little too late.  There is a right of appeal to the Magistrates' Court for all parties and formal written notification of the decision has been sent out in full.”

The Panel considered the application by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary for a review, submitted in the Licensing Officer’s report. It gave due regard to the Licensing Act 2003, statutory guidance and the Licensing Objectives and the adopted statement of Licensing Policy.  The Human Rights Act 1998, The Equality Act 2010 and The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 Section 17 were also considered while making the decision.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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