Stafford convenience store’s bid to sell alcohol sparks objections

A Stafford convenience store’s bid to sell booze until 11pm has met with objections from neighbours.

Deal Zuper in Weston Road is seeking a premises licence to allow alcohol sales seven days a week between 7am and 11pm.

The licence application submitted to Stafford Borough Council stated that a series of measures were proposed to prevent crime crime, disorder and public nuisance, including providing litter bins and installing CCTV. 

Underage alcohol sales would be prevented by asking anyone who appeared to be aged under 25 to show valid ID and spirits would be located behind the counter area.

But the owners of the neighbouring property have objected to the proposed licence for the shop unit, which was previously a hardware store. A petition containing 20 signatures has also been sent to the council.

The owners of the neighbouring home said: “The previous business operating from this address was open 8-5 Monday to Friday and until midday on a Saturday. 

"The only other business operating in this predominantly residential area is the local butchers who opens day time hours only.

We are concerned about the proposed opening hours, 7am-11pm seven days a week, and the impact that it will have on the local area. 

"We are concerned about the noise that this business will have on us as we own the adjoining property, currently rent this property out and really do not wish to lose our current tenants who are distressed by this proposal as they work shifts.

“We are also concerned by the lack of parking to accommodate such a business, the idea of the premises being licensed and the problems that people buying and consuming alcohol cause. 

"Do we really need this kind of business when there are two Co-op stores within the area both selling alcohol and open reasonable hours?

“We are disgusted by the way that this change of use is being gone about, applying for shutters first and then the licence, with no communication to the neighbours and people living in the surrounding area. 

"We were originally led to believe from the builders that the property was being converted into a flat upstairs with an office downstairs.”

There have been no objections to the licence from Stafford Borough Council’s environmental health department, Staffordshire Police or Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The council’s licensing sub-committee is due to consider the licence application at a hearing on Friday, November 15.