The application relates to 125-131 Kirkdale, which is currently The Windmill Public House. If Sainsbury's are successful in their application then it is highly likely the pub will close and a Sainsbury's Supermarket open in its place.
Representations (Council speak for letters of objection or support) need to be received by Lewisham's Licensing Department by midnight on 11th June.
I would say pretty much all of the people who post on this Forum - and obviously those who use The Windmill, or might think about using a pub on that site in the future - have a connection with "the vicinity" (a pretty flexible word, in my opinion.)To have your say, you must be an 'interested party' for the premises concerned. This means you must either be a:
person living in the vicinity of the premises
body (such as a residents' association) representing people that live in that vicinity
person involved in a business in the vicinity of the premises
body (such as a trade association) representing people involved in businesses in the vicinity of the premises.
Whether somebody lives or works 'in the vicinity' of a premises is a matter that will be decided by the relevant licensing authority (and where there are disputes, by the courts).
In deciding this, licensing authorities may look at whether that party is likely to be affected by the grant of the licence application in respect of those premises.
While licensing authorities may wish to give broad indications of where they consider the vicinity to be, each case must be considered on its own merits.
More details and this Forum's discussion can be found here (if I can post the link!) http://sydenham.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9403
Representations have to be made in writing - e-mail is acceptable. The letter or e-mail has to include your name and address and clearly state your reason for opposing the issue of the licence.
Just saying that you want to save the pub is not a valid reason for objection, under Council rules. For your views to be taken into consideration you have to follow the criteria set out below.
Letters or e-mails of objection will not be counted unless you clearly cite at least one of the following four valid reasons for objection:
Personally, I think all four of those reasons apply in this case. In my opinion, these licensing hours will lead to an increase in crime and disorder and nuisance associated with street drinking, which has already proved a problem in other parts of Sydenham. The closeness of the Miriam Lodge Hostel I believe is also an issue. As is the presence of two large schools.the prevention of crime and disorder
public safety
the prevention of public nuisance
the protection of children from harm
Objections should be addressed to:
As of last night, only two objections had been received by Lewisham Council. Please, please - I urge anyone who values The Windmill's site as a social gathering place to oppose the issue of this alcohol off sales licence. It is the first battle we face in saving the pub and it is a vital one.
Licensing Team
Fourth Floor
1 Laurence House, Catford Road
SE6 4RU
Tel:
020 8314 6400
Email:
licensing@lewisham.gov.uk
[b]REMEMBER: TO BE CONSIDERED, COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT ON 11TH JUNE, THEY MUST CITE AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOUR VALID REASONS FOR OBJECTION, AND THEY MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.