A proposal by a Derby city centre convenience store to sell super strength beer has been denied by local authorities amid concerns over enforceability and street drinking issues. The Go Local Extra Convenience store on Midland Road, housed in the premises formerly known as the Tiffany Lounge pub, sought to amend its licence to allow the sale of very strong alcoholic beverages.

Currently, the store is prohibited from selling super strength alcohol due to ongoing street drinking problems prevalent in the Midland Road vicinity. The shop’s management cited a loss of customer footfall attributed to these licence restrictions and emphasised the need for a revision to remain commercially viable.

During the licensing hearing held at Derby City Council headquarters on Monday, 14 April, the shop’s legal representative presented a proposed new licence condition stating, “Alcohol will not be served to any known problem people.” However, Derbyshire Police objected to this wording, expressing concerns that such a condition would be impossible to enforce. The police highlighted that shop staff would find it challenging to conclusively identify customers with drinking problems, potentially facilitating the procurement of alcohol by street drinkers in an area already marked by anti-social behaviour.

To address enforcement concerns, the store’s legal advisor, licensing consultant Naga Rajesh, outlined additional proposed conditions, including restrictions that super strength beer, lager, or cider (defined as having an alcohol by volume content of 6.5% or higher) must be sold in minimum quantities of four items per transaction. Rajesh noted that street drinkers typically purchase single items, implying this measure could reduce such sales. Furthermore, it was suggested that all super strength alcoholic beverages be labelled with the shop’s name to enable tracing, deterring attempts by street drinkers to cover their purchases by removing labels.

Despite these proposals, the council’s general licensing sub-committee, comprising Councillors Alison Holmes, Neil Wilson and Kirk Kus, found the suggested conditions insufficient. A formal report issued by the committee stated, “The sub-committee were not satisfied that the proposed condition was enforceable, nor were they satisfied that the two extra conditions offered would be. The sub-committee resolved to reject the application.”

Addressing the issue of enforcement responsibility, Naga Rajesh remarked during the hearing that the burden should not fall solely on business owners. Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, he said, “We cannot put all the problems on the street on the shop owners or my client’s shoulder. My client had an application refused two years ago to change the same condition and the reason was the objection from police due to the problems in the area. But in those two years there has been no improvement. We are hearing the same story two years later from the police. Refusing the license back then did not make any change. Yes, there are some shops selling alcohol to the wrong person. But we have to accept there is a lack of enforcement in this area.”

The licensing decision means Go Local Extra Convenience cannot proceed with selling super strength beers or similar beverages, maintaining restrictions designed to mitigate issues related to street drinking and associated anti-social behaviours in Midland Road. The denial highlights continuing challenges in balancing commercial interests with community safety concerns within Derby city centre.

Source: Noah Wire Services