Allowing shop to sell spirits from a hatch until 1am 'is ridiculous'

NEW OFF-LICENCE CAN OPEN LATE ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAYS, BUT DECISION IS MET WITH ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CONCERNS

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter [e-mail]

A DERBYSHIRE off-licence will be allowed to operate late at night through a hatch despite concerns from an adjacent pub landlady about crime and anti-social behaviour.

At an Erewash Borough Council licensing hearing on Thursday, councillors approved a premises licence for 60 South Street, Ilkeston, to be turned into an off-licence, having been vacant for some time and previously used by animal welfare charity.

After talks with the police, the applicant, Iyamperumal Vivekanathan, agreed to reduce the planned opening hours down from 3am Thursday through to Saturday, to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

However, while the licensing panel agreed to allow the off-licence to operate until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, it would only be able to sell products via a hatch after 11pm, similar to those at petrol stations.

Councillors and licensing officials were concerned people leaving pubs, clubs and bars at closing time would be able to then head to get further alcohol from the shop, potentially exacerbating existing issues with crime and disorder.

They wished there to be a separation where it is hoped people would disperse after leaving pubs, bars and clubs and did not linger in the town centre.

Charlotte Lee, landlady of the Prince of Wales pub, which sits directly opposite, said following the decision: “The hatch defeats the purpose of it all.

“It will still see people gathering around it outside.”