Decision on shop’s 2am booze licence delayed

A shop in Droylsden wants permission to serve booze from a little hatch until 2am. 

The One Stop on Somerset Road currently has a licence to sell alcohol between 8am and 10pm. The owners, JSK1 Enterprise Ltd, wanted to extend that licence to operate between 7am and 2am.

This sparked concern from local councillors Ged Cooney and Barrie Holland, as well as the licensing authority. They felt this change could increase the risk of alcohol-related disorder, antisocial behaviour and crime. 

A licensing review hearing was called by Tameside council to settle the matter on Monday, May 18. 

Gill Sherratt, the licensing agent speaking for One Stop, altered the original application at the eleventh hour. The changes meant that alcohol would only be sold from a hatch via delivery drivers after 10pm until 2am.

The hearing in Hyde Town Hall was told this meant customers couldn’t just walk into the shop after 10pm to buy alcohol. They would have to order via a delivery app to their homes.

Despite the changes, the objectors retained their concerns.

Coun Ged Cooney said: “This is in a housing estate and not a town centre. This is encouraging people to be around that area loitering into the evening.

“It’s late enough as it is. No one here wants people coming to buy alcohol below where they live at that late time.”

Coun Cooney went on to say how the area around one stop has had issues with crime, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour, which he fears will increase by this shop extending its alcohol licence. Greater Manchester Police didn’t object to the application, but did point out there had been shoplifting there and a recent robbery had taken place where a man had threatened the shop owner with a knife.

Chaitali Gitesh Modi, the shop manager, described how antisocial behaviour issues have reduced since he took charge of the shop eight-years-ago. All parties in the room agreed he had been doing an excellent job at the shop.

Licensing agent Ms Sherratt added: “Think how bad it would have been if Mr Modi had not been there. This is going to deter crime.
“You will have responsible people serving behind a shutter. It’s exactly the type of business you need to support.
“Not one resident has objected to this application. They have been asking for this to happen.”

Susan Morris, from the licensing authority still believed this licence extension ‘would significantly increase the risk of alcohol-related disorder’, impact on public safety and create a nuisance in the area.

The council’s licensing panel, chaired by Coun Helen Bowden, could not decide whether or not to approve the application after hearing all the evidence. They decided to take further time to deliberate and said a decision would be made within five days.