Agenda and minutes

In the event the fire alarm sounds attendees will be advised to evacuate the building via the nearest fire exit and assemble at the Bottle of Notes opposite MIMA.

Fire alarm tests take place in Municipal Buildings at 10.30am on Tuesday mornings. In the event the fire alarm sounds at this time for more than 10 seconds attendees will be advised to evacuate the building via the nearest fire exit and assemble at the Bottle of Notes opposite MIMA.

At 10.00am, the appointed start time of the meeting, the applicant was not present.  The Chair opened the meeting and announced a 15 minute adjournment to allow the applicant additional time to attend.

At 10.10am, all parties were present and it was agreed the Hearing should proceed immediately.

The Chair announced that, in the event that the fire alarm sounded, attendess should evacuate the building via the nearest fire exit and assemble at the Bottle of Notes opposite MIMA.

A report of the Director of Public Health and Public Protection was circulated outlining an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Hemlington Post Office, 33 Viewley Centre, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, TS8 9JH, Ref No: 106881.

Summary of Proposed Licensable Activities:-

Sale of Alcohol for consumption off the premises (Off Sales) - Monday to Sunday: 7.00am – 11.00pm.

Full details of the application and operating schedule were attached at Appendix 1.

The Chair introduced those present and explained the procedure to be followed at the meeting. It was confirmed that all parties had received a copy of the Regulation 6 Notice and copy of the report and accompanying documents, in accordance with the Licensing (Hearings) Regulations 2005. 

The Council’s Legal Representative addressed the issue of absent parties and confirmed that there were two absent parties.  Mrs Thompson had submitted a written representation in relation to the application and had advised that she was unable to attend the Hearing but wished her written representation to be considered.  Mrs Bagley had also made a written representation but had not confirmed whether she would attend the Hearing.  Under Regulation 20 of the Licensing Act (Hearings) Regulations 2005, the Hearing could proceed in their absence, with the original representations being taken into account by the Sub Committee.

Details of the Application

The Licensing Manager presented the report outlining the application for a Premises Licence in respect of Hemlington Post Office, 33 Viewley Centre, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, TS8 9JH.  A copy of the application was advertised in the Evening Gazette on 17 December 2025, as required by the Licensing Act 2003. 

The premise was an established Post Office and general store seeking to offer other products and services to its current customer base.  The applicant intended to invest in refitting the store along with added services, including the sale of alcohol which would form part of the extended product offer.

Representations

Several representations were received in relation to the application, as follows:-

•         23 December 2025 – Cleveland Police, objecting to the application on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety and the prevention of public nuisance - Copy attached at Appendix 2.

It was highlighted that within its representation, Cleveland Police stated that should the applicant be agreeable to amend the proposed hours for the sale of alcohol, to 9.00am to 9.00pm daily, and be willing to accept the imposition of a number of conditions, the Police would be satisfied to withdraw its representations.

•         30 December 2025 – Ms T Lightfoot, local resident, objecting to the application on the grounds of public safety - Copy attached at Appendix 3.

•         2 January 2026 – Mrs E Bagley, local resident, objecting to the application on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance - Copy attached at Appendix 4.

•         4 January 2026 – Councillor T Mohan, Hemlington Ward Councillor, objecting to the application on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance - Copy attached at Appendix 5.

It was highlighted that two representations from local residents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25/11

There were no other urgent items.