A corner shop in Derby, known as the Go Local Extra convenience store, is facing challenges due to a ban on selling high-alcohol-by-volume (ABV) beer and cider imposed by Derby City Council. Located at the junction of Midland Road and London Road, this establishment, formerly known as Midland Road Convenience Store, re-opened earlier this year after an extensive renovation and has been operational seven days a week, from 6am to 11pm, with alcohol sales permitted from 8am to 11pm.

The current restrictions prohibit the sale of “super strength beer, lager, or cider 6.5 per cent ABV or above.” In response to these limitations, the store has submitted an application to the council to lift the ban, proposing instead a restriction that would bar the sale of alcohol to “any known problem people.”

A spokesperson for the Go Local Extra expressed concerns that the high-ABV sales ban is negatively impacting the store’s foot traffic and overall sales. The spokesperson stated, “We have a very decent clientele and we are constantly turning some of our customers away because of this condition. As a consequence, we are losing footfall on a weekly basis and it significantly affects the sales of other grocery items.” The application highlights that the shop adheres to a “matrix of conditions” aimed at promoting responsible licensing objectives.

Despite these assertions, the application has faced opposition from several local entities. Derbyshire Constabulary has formally objected, along with local councillor Gulfraz Nawaz, who cited his concerns as a resident of the Arboretum Ward. Cllr Nawaz voiced apprehensions about the impact of reintroducing high-ABV sales, noting rising levels of antisocial behaviour linked to street drinking in the area. He remarked, “The introduction of super strength beer, like lager, through this application, would only exacerbate the existing issues and create more challenges for the local businesses and residents.”

Additionally, Simon Vaughan, a local business owner from W.W. Winter photography studio, has also raised issues of public order linked to alcohol misuse in the vicinity. Vaughan stated, “Midland Road has been subjected to numerous incidents of drunken behaviour and drug misuse for many years – with the problem increasing over time,” and noted that such incidents deter customers and tarnish the area’s reputation.

Natasha Mitchell, a constable with Derbyshire police, echoed these sentiments in her formal objection, explaining that allowing alterations to the licensing conditions could undermine established licensing objectives and would be difficult to enforce.

While the management of Go Local Extra refrained from offering further comments when approached by Derbyshire Live, they reiterated their position about the inconsistency of the ban, noting “There are loads of other shops in this area that are allowed to sell high ABV beers and lagers. We just think it is unfair that this restriction has been put on our shop.”

This ongoing situation reflects the complex balance between local business interests and community concerns regarding public safety and wellbeing, as the council prepares to consider the shop’s application further.

Source: Noah Wire Services