Anger over drink move
Garage store can sell booze
A petrol station in Newmains has been given the green light to sell booze from their shop.
Londis within the Shell Garage in the Main Street have been given the goahead to sell alcohol.
Earlier this month, the council’s Licensing Board approved the application – despite objections from Newmains Commuity Council.
Newmains councillor Robert McKendrick said: “I am disappointed.
“There are enough places in Newmains where people can buy alcohol.”
Community councillors had raised concerns over the plans for the petrol station to sell alcohol.
They sent a letter of objection to the council’s licensing board before last Friday’s deadline,
But their objections fell on deaf ears
A council spokesman said: “This application was granted.”
During a community council meeting earlier this year, one community councillor said: “I think it is ridiculous.
“There is already ASDA, the Co-op and other offsales in Newmains.
“Why on earth do we need any more places selling alcohol?”
All Londis stores are independently owned.
This one is owned by Certas Energy UK Ltd who are the UK’s largest distributor of Shell products.
Before given the goahead Brian Worrall, Director of Corporate Affairs Certas Energy UK Limited, gave reassurance to concerned residents.
He said: “We have a track record of being a responsible retailer in the region and the 14 alcohol vending stores that we run throughout Scotland have experienced no issues.
“We always ensure our staff are fully trained and understand the responsibilities which are involved in the selling of alcohol.”
The commu n i t y council’s objection to the booze licence comes as the Wishaw Press reported 79 drivers were found to be over the drink- drive limit in Lanarkshire from December 2 to January 2.
One commu n i t y councillor added: “You read in the paper about drink -driving.
“This is a stupid place to sell alcohol.”
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This is a stupid place to sell alcohol