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

AN off-licence will be allowed to operate late at night through a hatch despite concerns from an neighbour-ing 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 - which was previously vacant for some time and was previously used by animal welfare charity - to be turned into an off-licence.

After talks with the police, applicant Iyamperumal Vivekanathan agreed to cut the planned opening hours 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 on Sunday until Thursday and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, it would only be able to sell products via a hatch similar to those at petrol stations, after 11pm.

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

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

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

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