Mini market booze plan faces opposition
PLANS by a Huddersfield mini market to sell off -premises alcohol from 6am to 10pm have been opposed by local councillors who say it will exacerbate existing anti-social behaviour in the area and potentially add to crime and disorder.
A licence application by the European Mini Market at 59, Blacker Road, in Birkby, comes before Kirklees Council’s licensing panel next week.
The shop is described as ‘a small communitybased mini market and grocery store with an offlicence situated in a small parade of shops in a mixed commercial/residential area on the fringes of the town centre.’ Operators of the shop – formerly known as Bostana – have pledged to follow the Challenge 25 retailing strategy, which encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID. They would also keep a written register of refusals including a description of people who have been unable to provide ID to prove their age.
They say prominent, clear and legible signage will be on display as well as signs at exits requesting customers to respect the needs of local residents by leaving the store and the area quickly and quietly.
However, councillors in Greenhead ward, which includes Birkby, say there are already licensed establishments in the vicinity, which has existing anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse issues, and that allowing another would add ‘further intensification’ to the area.
Clr Sheikh Ullah (Lab, Greenhead) wrote: “Many residents over the past few years have made many complaints to me around the activities on Blacker Road, particularly congregating around other premises. The police are aware of the current situation. I feel that this will not enhance but cause further harm to the area.
“As ward councillors no one knows the patch better than us. This will now only intensify the area potentially contributing to further anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse issues. Do partnering services have the capacity to deal with any additional overflow?”
His statement was supported by ward colleagues Carole Pattison and Mohan Sokhal.
The application will be heard on May 18.