A convenience store owner’s proposal to sell alcohol at a new shop on Cardiff’s popular Chippy Lane has been denied permission after objections were raised by various authorities and local stakeholders. The rejection came after South Wales Police, Cardiff Council’s licensing authority, businesses, and residents expressed concerns over potential increases in anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime in the area. The police and council representatives presented their objections to the Cardiff Council’s licensing sub-committee during a meeting held on Wednesday, March 12.
Representatives from the police highlighted their apprehensions regarding the strength of the proposed conditions and referenced previous breaches of licensing regulations by a shop operated by the applicant. Businesses and residents echoed these sentiments, expressing fears that the introduction of alcohol sales at the store could exacerbate existing issues with on-street drinking and anti-social behaviour. Mitchell & Butlers, a local business, raised concerns about aggressive behaviour and public urination, which they believed would be exacerbated by the availability of cheap alcohol from the proposed store.
Ian Rushton, representing the applicant Santhosh Reddy Ashireddy, defended his client’s track record as a responsible operator with decades of experience. However, the police licensing officer, Claire Dewhurst, reported shortcomings in meeting licensing conditions at one of Mr. Ashireddy’s existing shops, pointing out deficiencies in incident logging, CCTV operation, and alcohol refusal policy signage. South Wales Police emphasised that the area, which includes Caroline Street, already has numerous off-licences and argued against further saturation, particularly in areas susceptible to street drinking and disorder.
Caroline Street is within Cardiff’s cumulative impact assessment (CIA) area, subject to stringent regulations governing new licensed premises to address existing challenges effectively. Despite arguments from Mr. Rushton that the proposed restrictions, including ceasing alcohol sales after 9 pm, would make the application exceptional, the police and licensing authority believed otherwise. They contended that the conditions outlined were unfeasible and insufficient to mitigate potential negative impacts on the locality.
Mr. Ashireddy had invested over £75,000 in refurbishing the Caroline Street shop, underscoring his commitment to the business. During the meeting, Mr. Rushton challenged assertions that the store would worsen crime, asserting that it would not attract additional visitors like a nightclub or bar might. He reassured the committee that his client would comply diligently with all conditions, ensuring the responsible and enforceable operation of the business.
The council’s previous approval of Mr. Ashireddy’s application to sell alcohol at another location on Caerphilly Road, despite objections, further fueled the debate. Local councillors and residents had raised concerns about the proximity of the Caerphilly Road premises to residential areas. The contrasting decisions on the two applications highlighted the complexities surrounding licensing approvals in areas facing challenges such as anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime.
The denial of permission for alcohol sales at the Chippy Lane store underscores the balancing act authorities face in regulating licensed premises in areas with existing social issues. The decision reflects the collaborative efforts of stakeholders to uphold community welfare and safety while supporting responsible business practices. Moving forward, the focus remains on fostering a vibrant yet harmonious urban environment that prioritises the well-being of residents and businesses alike.