A senior leader has warned the plan could undermine public safety
Cllr Nick Small is opposing the licence application
A Liverpool convenience store’s bid to stay open 24 hours a day has been branded “highly irresponsible” and could cause “massive problems” by a senior leader opposing the move. An application has been lodged by Wine and Spirits KSP Ltd to vary the business’ premises licence on Vauxhall Road.
Terms were agreed for the location in 2022 allowing it to sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm daily. It is now seeking Liverpool Council’s permission to open all day long and the right to sell alcohol throughout.
However, this has been met with concern by Cllr Nick Small who has formally objected to the application. He told the ECHO how it would run the risk of undermining work done to keep the area safe.
According to the application lodged with the city council, the business is seeking permission to sell alcohol under a late night licence – which would allow customers to purchase products between 11pm and 5am. The shop currently trades until 11pm but is hoping to extend to 24 hours a day.
It even opens on Christmas Day from midday to 3pm. The new application has caused concern with Cllr Small who said he would object to the bid.
Cllr Small, who represents the City Centre North ward, said: “This licensing application is highly irresponsible, it will cause massive problems locally and runs the risk of jeopardising all the good work that’s what we’ve been doing with the police and other agencies.
“Vauxhall Road is the main route between Leeds Street and the City Centre.
“There are many vulnerable residents in the area, including people living in temporary and supporting housing with drug and alcohol issues.
“The concern that I’ve got is that there are already issues with street drinking, drug dealing, drug use, anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder.
“I fear that opening this retail unit 24 hours a day, with alcohol sales until 4am will make these issues worse and really affect the quality of life for residents living in Marybone and Westmorland.”
The application could also be scuppered by planning regulations.
When permission was awarded to use the units on Vauxhall Road as retail sites in 2000, this came with the stipulation that it must not operate beyond the hours of 8am and 11.30pm.
This was to ensure that nearby occupiers were not adversely affected by the development.
A date has yet to be confirmed for the proposals to be considered by Liverpool Council licensing and gambling sub-committee members.