By William Mills
Brighton & Hove’s Licensing Panel on Monday, 28 October approved a new alcohol licence for the Co-Op store in Portland Road, Hove from 8am to 8pm daily.
The Co-Op applied to sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm every day, but were 8pm after taking into hearing from of Director of Public Health Tom Scanlon who spoke about the need to combat pre-loading and binge drinking.
Dr Scanlon highlighted that there is considerable proxy purchasing from off-licences for underage drinkers, despite the best efforts of responsible retailers. He also noted that the location was close to supported accommodation for young people.
He also asked the Co-Op to sign up to the city’s ‘Sensible on Strength’ campaign by agreeing not to sell super-strength alcohol.
The Southern Co-Operative Limited has agreed not to sell super-strength alcohol at two other stores ( Sussex University and Western Road, Brighton) of more than 6%.
Councillor Stephanie Powell, who chaired the Panel said;
“We were concerned that alcohol sales could adversely affect crime and disorder and the protection of children, and that this store is close to accommodation for vulnerable young people. Therefore we decided to grant a licence, but only until 8pm.”
The panel also included Lynda Hyde, the senior Tory councillor for Rottingdean, who has an enviable track record for responsible decision taking.
