A convenience store will be allowed to sell alcohol despite concerns raised about anti-social behaviour including kids buying alcohol before school.
Kadu Training Limited applied to South Holland District Council (SHDC) for a new premises licence for Market Convenience Store at 12 Market Street, in Long Sutton.
Although it was successful in its application, councillors have imposed a series of conditions in a bid to address issues raised by a resident.
The applicant wanted permission for selling alcohol, Monday to Sunday from 7am and 11pm – the proposed full opening hours of the store, which is opposite Long Sutton’s Market House.
But SHDC’s licensing committee decided to approve the licence with modified conditions, including a shorter length of time in which the store can sell alcohol.
At a meeting on Wednesday, October 7, resident Peter Fuller had objected to the licence following concerns that it could lead to increased anti-social behaviour.
He added: “The area where the shop is located the road narrows and there’s residential parking on the road and there’s an issue with the traffic.
“For people visiting the premises, the parking, where are they going to park?
“At 11 o’clock at night, cars pulling up, doors slamming, who knows what else would be going on?”
Mr Fuller also raised concerns about under-age drinking – but the applicant stressed that a strict Challenge 25 policy will be in place in order to abide by the law on this.
Coun James Le Sage said the original application was “an extremely long time” for the store to be selling alcohol.
“I understand that there’s a school not too far away and my concern would be that there could be youngsters attempting to buy alcohol early in the morning.”
Naga Rajesh, a licensing consultant representing the applicant, said: “This premises was a run down property. It was not ready for business.
“It required huge refurbishment to convert this eyesore property into a retail unit. It will take another few months before we start opening the doors to the public.
“We always work with the residents because this business is for the residents and we fully rely on the residents.
“This is not a wine bar. This is a convenience store. Alcohol is going to be a small part of the family-friendly business.”
Following the concerns about kids buying alcohol before school, the committee agreed to limit the opening times to from 8.30am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday and 9pm on Sunday.
A further condition was imposed requiring at least 75 per cent of the windows into retail areas to be clear from signage, decoration or obstruction, giving a clear view inside the premises.
