1am ‘booze hatch’ plan thwarted

A NEWSAGENTS has been denied permission to sell alcohol through a hatch until 1am after councillors raised fears it could become a booze ‘drive through’ and worsen anti-social behaviour.

Astley News, in Dukinfield, had applied to Tameside council to sell alcohol from 8am until 1am, seven days a week.

Alcohol purchases would be served through a hatch in the door, which the applicant, Hamza Ali, stated would mean customers were served quickly and would not be ‘standing around falling in the street’.

Currently the shop on Astley Street, which is next to the Chapel House pub, is licensed to sell alcohol up until 10pm, Monday to Saturday, and until 9.30pm on Sundays.

Greater Manchester Police had argued there would be an ‘increase in crime and disorder’ which could lead to greater pressures on the force if the application were approved.

And local councillors raised fears that the use of the door hatch could mean it would become a ‘drive through off-licence’, with cars pulling up outside to buy booze.

To ensure public safety, Mr Ali said they would be installing CCTV, and said the movement of bins and rubbish would be kept to a minimum after 10pm to reduce noise.

Bright lights on or outside the premises would also be positioned so they would not disturb nearby residents.

“Any individuals who appear to be under-age will be asked for ID,” he stated.

But a neighbouring resident had objected to the proposals, saying they had ‘major concerns regarding what sort of person would be frequenting an off licence at such a late hour’.

The applicant has 21 days to appeal.