Coventry residents oppose new shop's bid for booze sales in "quiet" area

Locals are opposing plans for a new Coventry convenience store to sell booze from 9am to 11pm every day. Residents fear the move would bring anti-social behaviour and other problems to their "quiet" area.

But a council officer says Jai Sai Convenience Store, which is set to open at 38 Redesdale Avenue in Coundon, should be allowed the off-sales of alcohol. Councillors will have final say at a hearing at 10am next Monday, 2 December.

Neighbours wrote six letters to the council following the premises licence application by the shop's director in September this year. Litter, loitering youths and late night disturbance were some of the concerns raised, council papers show.

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One person claimed alcohol sales would add to "nuisance" by bringing late night booze buyers when locals expect the area to be "in sleep mode." "It is not uncommon for licenced premises to attract anti-social behaviour from groups of young people or intoxicated individuals," they wrote.

"Careful consideration needs to be given to introducing this in such a quiet residential area." The resident said closing the store at 8pm and not allowing booze to be sold on Sundays would be better for the area.

Another local's concerns included "noise and other nusiance i.e damage to property" and "groups of people drinking alcohol in the street." This person wrote: "I think we will see an increase in crime and disorder. Which will be a drain on the police."

Several people raised fears over road safety, noting the store is by a "busy" crossroads where there have been crashes before. Adding extra traffic and parked cars will add to the junction's "danger," one letter claimed, while others stressed parking is limited locally.

People also told the council the area does not need another licenced outlet, claiming there are other established businesses nearby. But a council officer assessing the bid stressed public bodies known as "responsible authorities" have no problems with the application.

These groups include licensing officers, the police, environmental protection, and safeguarding children. They consider the plans have enough conditions in place for the type of business model and operation, the report said.

The officer added that the shop's licence could be reviewed in future if there are any problems. The application also listed the ways those running the shop would prevent crime and disorder, protect public safety, prevent nuisance and protect children from harm.

These include policies on the responsible sale of alcohol, ensuring public safety, handling disorderly conduct and managing noise. Other steps they pledge to take include engaging with locals over nuisance concerns, having enough bins to reduce littering, putting in capacity limits to avoid overcrowding and putting in place procedures to deal with any incidents.

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