A NEW convenience store in Merthyr Tydfil town centre has been granted a licence to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshments until midnight. The licence, applied for by San Retailers Ltd at 104 High Street, was approved by the council’s licensing committee on Wednesday, August 7, with several conditions attached.
The store is permitted to sell alcohol from 8 am to midnight, Monday to Sunday, and to offer late-night refreshments from 11 pm to midnight on the same days. The premises will be open from 6 am to 2 am, Monday to Sunday.
Originally, the application proposed opening hours from 6 am to 2 am, with alcohol sales and late-night refreshments available during the entire period. However, following discussions with South Wales Police, the alcohol sales were revised to start at 8 am instead of 7 am, and to end at 11:30 pm, with the shop closing at the same time.
South Wales Police had expressed concerns about the late opening hours, particularly in relation to the store’s proximity to other licensed premises and areas with high levels of alcohol-related crime and disorder. They feared that an off-licence open until 2 am would encourage increased alcohol consumption among people already under the influence, potentially leading to more crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour.
Police also highlighted that the location of 104 High Street is near establishments that house individuals with alcohol and substance dependencies, which have been linked to numerous reports of anti-social behaviour and crime. Additionally, there is a service within 200 meters of the premises that supports individuals struggling with alcohol and substance misuse, raising concerns that the late alcohol sales could negatively impact those seeking to reduce their intake.
Local residents and businesses also objected to the application, citing an oversaturation of alcohol outlets in the area, leading to increased noise, public intoxication, and disturbances. Concerns were also raised about the proximity of the premises to local schools and the potential for proxy sales.
Despite these objections, the sub-committee granted the licence with the amended times. In its decision, the sub-committee noted that the conditions proposed by the police were robust and, if adhered to by the applicant, would allow the premises to operate in line with licensing principles. The sub-committee acknowledged the concerns raised by local residents and businesses but found no direct evidence that the issues in the area, such as under-age sales and anti-social behaviour, were attributable to this new premises.
The committee concluded that with the measures proposed by the applicant and their experience, there should be no increase in under-age sales or anti-social behaviour linked to the store.
