A NEW convenience store has been granted an 11pm alcohol licence, despite a petition against the plan.
Cllr Tony Sharps, chairman of Flintshire Council’s licensing sub-committee, said he did not support the proposal to sell alcohol so late at the Spar store, to be built on the site of the former Morris Garage in Mold.
“My personal view is 11pm is far too late and I could not support it,” Cllr Sharp said before a three-strong panel of members made its decision.
However, he agreed there were “lots of merits” to the convenience store and said he was impressed by the company’s Under 25 identification policy.
Councillors had received a 41 signature-petition from residents opposed to the requested week-long licensing hours of 6am-11pm.
Cllr Hadyn Bateman, representing the Broncoed residents, argued: “The objections are to show the licensing hours could have a detrimental impact to people’s amenities.”
He cited a potential increase in noise levels, light pollution and anti-social behaviour as “three major concerns” of people in the area.
David Hytch, chairman of governors at Ysgol Maes Garmon, which is near the proposed store, said he was concerned by the effects the sale of alcohol could have on pupils.
Cllr Sharps said he was perturbed by the way schoolchildren were being brought into the argument.
Mark Hunka, representing Spar, said stipulations made by the police had been readily agreed by the company.
On announcing the committee’s decision, Cllr Sharps said: “It is a difficult case because we want to protect residents and schools at all times but we do have the power to review our decision in 12 months.”
Licensing was granted between 7am-11pm on Monday-Saturday and from 7am-10pm on Sunday.