Residents are facing wait on whether a Middlesbrough petrol station will be granted a licence to sell booze.
Coronation service station in Acklam wants to sell alcohol from 6am until 11pm, seven days a week.
However, residents, local councillors and police objected to the application with regards to anti-social behaviour in the area.
And Middlesbrough councillors have now deferred their decision until next week after it was decided more time was needed to look at the evidence.
Yesterday the applicant, Rontec Watford, put forward their case in a meeting at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
Robert Botkai of Winckworth Sherwood, presenting the application for Rontec, said: “The shop is very small. Spirits will be behind the counter so that they can’t be accessed.”
It was also explained that there would be a fridge for chilled beers and a space for wines.
In total, approximately ten per cent of the shop’s floor space would be taken up by the alcohol.
Mr Botkai said: “When you put alcohol on to the site the other shop sales increase as well. It lifts the shop sales. That is why it is important for Rontec to have a licence.
“We believe that the shop would perform better if it sold alcohol.”
As reported by The Gazette, it is feared that if Middlesbrough Council grant the licence, it could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.
Cleveland Police showed concern as the premise is situated on the edge of a densely populated housing estate and is in close proximity to areas where anti-social behaviour and alcohol related incidents are already an issue.
Chair of the committee, councillor Bernard Taylor, said: “We have not got protection against the anti-social behaviour.
“As councillors and this committee looking on our town, residents have said the last thing we want is another outlet selling alcohol.”
However, Mr Botkai said: “We are not going for long hours. We have imposed restrictions on this licence that other licenses don’t have.
“We won’t be selling strong beers, or single cans or bottles. It is also likely to be more expensive.
“In what way can the granting of this licence aid to any issues in this area? The protection you need is there by a condition of the licence.”
At the moment, the store sells grocery items such as cereals, pasta, sandwiches, snacks, tissues and washing up powder.
Mr Botkai added: “You are safe to grant the licence. We are not doing anything new for Middlesbrough.”
A decision is due to be made within the next five working days.
No comments:
Post a Comment