Cumberland Council to meet over convenience store plan to sell alcohol from 7am

Police have objected to a proposal for a Keswick convenience store to sell alcohol from 7am, seven days a week, with the application due to be considered next week.

Members of Cumberland Council’s licensing sub-committee are due to meet at Allerdale House in Workington on Monday (June 2) to consider the matter.

It is proposed that the Spar outlet in Shorley Lane sells alcohol between 7am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday, where it currently sells it between 8am and 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 10.30pm on Sundays.

However, a harm reduction sergeant from Cumbria Police, PS Scott Adams, has objected to the proposal because he felt the increase in hours “to be unnecessary and likely to cause an increase in the alcohol abuse”.

In his statement he said: “The location of the shop is found within main town centre and very close to the bed and breakfasts within Keswick, with many houses rented and social landlord bedsits.

“Although Keswick is an affluent town, this location can be deprived in parts, with a large amount of substance and alcohol abuse within the community.

“The antisocial behaviour and crime levels are higher than the town averages in this location and within the highest 15 per cent within the Derwent area of Cumberland.

“The location is a very short walk to the local nighttime economy and town centres. Checking on similar shops in the town none have a 7am alcohol licence as such I would not be satisfied this application would meet the objectives of the licensing act.

“Keswick is a location frequented by walkers, campers and many weekend tourists. Many of these attend peacefully but some attend to consume alcohol in large amounts, which leads to them causing problems within the local community.

He said that he felt the conditions offered or requested did not meet the increase in licensable activity requested and added: “As a police officer for over 22 years I deem the increase in licensable activity to be unnecessary

and likely to cause an increase in the alcohol abuse, rise in ASB and criminality due to the intoxication that will result from longer ability to serve alcohol.”

After hearing any evidence on Monday members can either: modify, alter, omit or add to the conditions of the licence; or reject the whole or part of the application.

The report states: “Full reasons should be given for the decision. Any party to the hearing has the right to appeal the decision.”