New shop will be ‘a licensed premises too far’, say dismayed residents

RESIDENTS in Bedminster were left frustrated and disappointed after a new Co-op store in North Street was granted a licence to sell alcohol.

The Co-op, which will take over the former Heli-Beds shop, will open at 6am and be allowed to sell alcohol between 8am and 11pm.

People living nearby lobbied the council during a meeting of its licensing committee, asking for the sale of alcohol to be refused amid fears it would lead to increased antisocial behaviour and street drinking.

But the council granted the licence after hearing that the police didn’t share the residents’ concerns.

Addressing the committee, Gareth Rae, who lives in the Chessels, said: “In that stretch between Aldi and Tesco we have six off-licences and seven places where people can buy alcohol to consume on premises.

“For a residential area with young people and families that is probably quite adequate. I am concerned about it being open until 11pm. It is the only place doing so so late for seven days a week, and there is a danger of a public nuisance.

“In terms of shops there is something there for everyone and we don’t want to tip the balance to make people think it is somewhere where alcohol is so easily accessible.

“It is not Whiteladies Road, it is a quiet residential area. It is a licensing premises too far.”

Tess Green, the Green Party councillor for Southville, also spoke against the licence. She said: “I have had lots of representations from residents concerned about yet another alcohol outlet.

“Opposite the premises is a small park and there has been some problem drinking there, especially by young people, but not always.

“Residents are worried another convenience store will make it easier for people to pop in and feed their habit. There are already too many licensed premises.”

Speaking on behalf of Southern Co-operatives, which will run the store, Jon Wallsgrove told the committee that staff would be fully trained to deal with underage customers, with a requirement for identification for anyone under 25, that police hadn’t raised any concerns about an alcohol licence, and that residents could discuss any worries with the shop after its opening.

He said it would create up to 25 jobs for the local community.

The committee granted the licence on the condition that it had CCTV to cover the shopfront and that it fulfilled the Challenge 25 requirement.

Last month small business owners attacked the plans for the Co-op, as it would bring the number of supermarkets in Bedminster to seven.

The Co-op didn’t have to apply for planning permission as there was no change of use at the premises, leading traders to brand it “a disgrace”.

None came to yesterday’s hearing to speak out against the alcohol licence.