A local shop in Caerphilly, Wales, has been denied permission to extend its alcohol sales hours despite no objections from the immediate community. The 8 Til Late general store, situated on Bedwas Road, had applied for an extension to sell alcohol until midnight, citing increased competition in the area as the primary reason for seeking longer trading hours. The shop’s owner, Amar Khehra, along with her son Jatinder Khehra, spoke before the Caerphilly council’s licensing committee to make their case.
Jatinder Khehra highlighted the rise in the number of convenience stores in the neighbourhood, with the family expressing the need to cater to working individuals such as taxi drivers and factory workers finishing late shifts. While Gwent Police did not raise any objections to the proposed extension, they recommended additional conditions be added to the shop’s alcohol licence, which the applicant agreed to in advance. However, the council’s environmental health officer, Victoria Woodland, expressed concerns about the impact of late-night alcohol sales in a predominantly residential area.
Woodland warned of a potential ‘creep’ phenomenon in which other businesses could follow suit and seek extended trading hours if one shop were permitted to sell alcohol past 11 pm. Despite the lack of objections from neighbours during a recent consultation, Woodland stressed the need to consider the broader implications of allowing late-night alcohol sales in a residential setting. She emphasised that there are alternative ways for businesses to generate revenue without disrupting residents’ peace during late hours.
The Khehra family, who has been operating the shop for over four decades, highlighted their positive relationship with neighbours and their compliance with licensing conditions. However, a recent complaint alleging the shop had sold alcohol beyond its licensed hours prompted a visit from council trading standards officers. While the shop passed subsequent checks related to the complaint, the council ultimately decided to limit alcohol sales at the premises to the hours of 8 am to 11 pm daily.
Acknowledging the shop’s longstanding presence in the community, the committee prioritised the concerns raised by the environmental health department and opted to maintain the existing alcohol sales hours. This decision reflects a balance between supporting local businesses and safeguarding the residential tranquillity of the neighbourhood. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding regulations that promote harmonious coexistence between commercial activities and residential areas.
The case of the 8 Til Late shop in Caerphilly underscores the delicate balance between economic interests and community well-being. While businesses may seek to expand their operations to remain competitive, local authorities have a responsibility to consider the broader impact on residents and neighbourhood dynamics. By carefully weighing the concerns raised by environmental health officials and balancing them with the aspirations of business owners, a nuanced decision was reached that prioritised the interests of the community at large.