Convenience store defends alcohol plans amid concerns over hours
A convenience store applicant in Axminster has defended plans to sell alcohol after concerns were raised about noise, operating hours and the number of licensed premises in a small area of the market town.
Arunan Selvanathan applied for a premises licence allowing alcohol sales for consumption off the premises at Unit 1, St Georges, Victoria Place, Axminster. The application was heard by East Devon District Council's licensing and enforcement sub-committee on Tuesday, October 6, at Blackdown House in Honiton.
The sub-committee, which determines applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003, received nine representations relating to all four licensing objectives. Licensing manager Phillippa Norsworthy confirmed that police had reached an agreed position with the applicant on additional conditions.
Arunan, who attended the hearing with Arun Natesa, told councillors the business would operate as a convenience store providing groceries for local residents in the town of approximately 8,100 people. Alcohol would be sold in sealed containers only, with spirits kept behind the counter for security.
The premises would be equipped with 16 CCTV cameras, and signs would clearly state that drinking was not permitted on site. Arunan emphasised that all staff would receive full training, and the business would maintain an incident log and refusals register as required under licensing regulations.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, the premises must have a designated premises supervisor holding a valid personal licence who takes day-to-day responsibility for alcohol sales. Arunan confirmed this requirement would be met and that police had specifically requested CCTV coverage of the entrance, exit and high-value goods.
The applicant stated that alcohol sales would follow the store's opening hours to streamline staff operations. In England and Wales, off-licence alcohol sales are typically permitted from 8am to 11pm, though individual premises licences granted by local authorities determine specific hours.
Residents raise concerns
Objector John Hicklin raised concerns about existing problems in the street and the cumulative impact of another alcohol outlet near several pubs. Victoria Place sits in the centre of Axminster on the A358, the main arterial road through the town centre, and comprises ground floor retail units with residential flats above.
Hicklin argued that the design of Victoria Place amplified noise and that the location and proposed hours were unsuitable. He suggested a 10pm closing time would be preferable and highlighted the lack of parking outside the premises.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, local authorities can implement Cumulative Impact Assessments in areas where high outlet density adversely affects licensing objectives. More than 100 English local authorities have adopted such policies, which allow them to restrict the growth of alcohol outlets in specific zones.
During the hearing, councillors were told that the nearby Co-op opened from 6am to 11pm daily. Drinking hours in the Castle Inn's garden had previously been reduced to end at 9pm following complaints in 2007.
Council legal adviser Giles Salter outlined the licence review process, advising that evidence would need to link noise disturbance to a specific premises if a review were sought in future.
Applicant's closing statement
In his closing statement, Arunan said the business depended on local support and he expected most customers to walk to the shop. Deliveries would take place once a week during opening hours to minimise disruption.
He explained that relatively low operating margins meant longer opening hours were necessary to make the business viable. Alcohol would account for approximately 20 per cent of sales, with the majority of revenue coming from groceries and everyday essentials.
The chair confirmed the sub-committee would notify its decision within five working days. The Licensing Act 2003 requires councils to determine a licensing policy providing a framework for all licence applications, with mandatory reviews at least every five years.
