Agenda item

   Licence Number: 32UHB50224

            Hearing Type:  Objection to Application to Transfer a Premise Licence

            Applicant: MR NANTHAKUMAR MURUKAN.

   Premises: Todays Extra, 2 Horsemarket, Caistor, Market Rasen, LN7 6UP

   Premises Licence Holder: Grantham Curry Pot Ltd

Licence Number: 32UHB50224

Hearing Type:  Objection to Application to Transfer a Premise Licence

Applicant: MR NANTHAKUMAR MURUKAN.

Premises: Todays Extra, 2 Horsemarket, Caistor, Market Rasen, LN7 6UP

Premises Licence Holder: Grantham Curry Pot Ltd

The Sub Committee considered a report regarding a notice given by the Chief Officer of Lincolnshire Police objecting to an application under Section 42 of the Licensing Act 2003 to transfer the premises licence for Today's Extra, 2 Horsemarket, Caistor, Market Rasen, LN7 6UP, to Mr Nanthakumar Murukan.

The Licensing Officer presented the report and outlined the history of the premises licence, including the review of the licence in October 2025, the subsequent appeal process, and the applications before the Sub Committee.

The Applicant's representative presented the case in support of the application and addressed the objection submitted by Lincolnshire Police. Reference was made to the Applicant's experience within the licensed trade, his existing business interests and the proposed transfer arrangements for the premises.

Representatives of Lincolnshire Police presented their objection to the application, outlining their concerns regarding the promotion of the crime and disorder licensing objective and the circumstances surrounding the proposed transfer. Reference was made to the history of the premises, previous compliance issues and the relationship between the Applicant and the current premises licence holder.

Members of the Sub Committee questioned the Applicant, his representative and representatives of Lincolnshire Police in relation to matters including the proposed purchase arrangements, the Applicant's existing licensed premises, his previous experience within the licensed trade, his relationship with the current premises licence holder and the implementation of the licensing objectives.

In response to questions from Members, the Applicant provided details of his ownership and operation of other licensed premises and outlined the management structures in place at those businesses. Further clarification was provided regarding his experience of managing licensed premises, his understanding of licensing responsibilities and the measures he would implement to promote the licensing objectives should the transfer be granted.

Members sought clarification regarding the proposed acquisition of Today's Extra, including the funding arrangements, proposed timescales for completion of the purchase and the extent of the Applicant's involvement with the premises prior to the submission of the application. The Applicant and his representative responded to those questions and explained the proposed business arrangements.

Questions were also raised regarding the Applicant's relationship with the current premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor. The Applicant explained the nature and duration of that relationship and responded to questions regarding any involvement he had previously had in the operation or management of the premises.

Representatives of Lincolnshire Police were questioned regarding the basis of their objection and the evidence relied upon in support of their concerns. Clarification was sought regarding the history of the premises, previous compliance and enforcement matters and the relevance of those issues to the application before the Sub Committee. Police representatives expanded upon their concerns regarding the promotion of the crime and disorder licensing objective and explained why they considered the transfer to be inappropriate in the circumstances.

During the hearing, the Applicant's representative challenged aspects of the Police objection and submitted that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the Applicant would undermine the licensing objectives if the transfer were granted. Reference was made to the Applicant's experience within the licensed trade, his operation of other licensed premises and the management arrangements proposed for Today's Extra.

In response, representatives of Lincolnshire Police reiterated their concerns regarding the proposed transfer and referred to the history of the premises and the relationship between the Applicant and the current premises licence holder. Police representatives maintained that, in their view, the application gave rise to concerns in relation to the promotion of the crime and disorder objective and accordingly maintained their objection.

In response to further questions raised during the hearing, clarification was provided by both parties regarding the operation of the Applicant's existing licensed premises, the outstanding appeal proceedings relating to the premises licence review and the proposed future management arrangements for the premises.

At the conclusion of the hearing, both parties were afforded the opportunity to summarise their respective cases before the Sub Committee retired to deliberate the application.

The Sub Committee then retired, accompanied by the Legal Advisor and Democratic Services Officer, to consider the application.

NOTE: The meeting adjourned at 12.04pm.

NOTE: The meeting reconvened at 1.28pm. During the adjournment, Mr Nanthakumar Murukan's translator and solicitor left the meeting.

Upon reconvening, the Chairman announced the decision of the Sub Committee.

RESOLVED that the application to transfer the premises licence be REJECTED.

The reasons for the decision were read by the Legal Advisor to those present, and a formal written Decision Notice would be issued to all parties. The right to appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days was confirmed.