FEARS have been raised that a late-night alcohol licence at a new Abergele convenience shop could increase anti-social behaviour.
Jwan Noori has applied to Conwy Council’s licensing department, seeking permission for a late licence to sell alcohol at his Castle Express shop at 65 Market Street.
The shop, which is yet to open, is described as a mini market and grocery store in the application and wants to operate between 8am and 12am and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The shop is a former furniture store and, according to the agent, has no restrictions in place preventing those opening hours, but the applicant wants a licence to sell alcohol to be consumed off premises.
The council’s licensing sub-committee will now decide the outcome at a hearing on Monday, following a public consultation, with police, the fire service, health board, and trading standards all consulted.
Resident David McQuillan wrote to Conwy Council in opposition to the licensing application.
“I need to object to the granting of a late-night alcohol licence to Castle Express, 65 Market Street, Abergele,” he said.
“I am very concerned that it would lead to anti-social behaviour in an area where there are residents and also the use of the side streets as drinking areas.”
He added: “10.30pm is late enough. 1am Friday and Saturday is not needed and could lead to vandalism, violence, and general anti-social behaviour.”
In response, Tony Clarke of Secure Licences, representing the applicant, said: “I understand your concerns; however, there is no evidence that this premises has caused or created any incidents of crime or disorder, and as you can see from the above statement in the licensing policy, it is also clear that it is not my client’s responsibility to manage people’s behaviour in the area once they have left the premises.
“My client has requested the hours he has because the shop will be open for these times with or without a licence.
“The licensing times simply match the intended opening times.
“In addition, there is no evidence of this premises being the cause of anti-social behaviour; it would, in my opinion and using the CCBC licensing policy as a guide, normally be deemed unreasonable in the circumstances to expect my client to reduce his hours at this stage.”
Conwy’s licensing sub-committee will meet on Monday 31 March.
