Dagenham off licence told it would be 'irresponsible' to sell alcohol as late as it hoped

(Stock image) The licensing application received concerns from residents and police over street drinking and recent violent incidents in the area
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A Dagenham off licence has been allowed to sell alcohol but for fewer hours than it originally proposed due to street drinking concerns and a number of violent incidents that have happened in the area. Premier Heathway, located on Dagenham Heathway, had originally applied for an alcohol licence from 6am to 2am every day however police said this was "irresponsible" and instead suggested alcoholic drinks could be sold from 10am until 11.30pm each day.

Police said a number of violent incidents on Dagenham Heathway had involved people who were intoxicated, and were worried that a 2am finish time would likely encourage and keep people outside on the street for longer. According to a witness statement from a neighbourhood police officer called Richard Thompson, a number of crimes have occurred from 6am on Dagenham Heathway and have seen shops targeted by people known to police as drug and alcohol dependent.

The plans had also received objections from a group of residents, who raised concerns about ongoing street drinking problems and violent incidents that they have witnessed in the past. One resident said: "I have experienced public nuisance, those that are consuming alcohol and smoking on the Heathway are always in crowds outside my front door, I fear for my safety as well the public safety, when I kindly ask them not to consume alcohol and smoke here, they use foul language and become very aggressive.

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"...earlier this year a group of men started fighting and one of the men was seriously injured and started to bleed, police and ambulance was called out. The whole parade was taped and asked to close for further investigation by the police." The resident claimed the fight had began because they were under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

'I have seen many problems arising in the Dagenham Heathway'

Another resident said: "I and my neighbours from Dagenham Heathway feel the pain of the crime, noise nuisance, drunk disorders and gang related activities. I have seen many problems arising in the Dagenham Heathway and allowing another alcohol licence on the Heathway will not lead to any beneficial outcomes as there is already enough consequences such as littering, homelessness, urination, intoxication."

Ahead of Tuesday's (October 1) meeting, Premier Heathway decided to reduce the sale of alcohol from 8am to 11.30pm and proposed a late night refreshment licence of 11pm to 11.30pm every day. The premises also said it wouldn't stock high strength beer, lager or cider over 6.5per cent, in line with police advice.

During last's meeting with Barking and Dagenham Council's licensing sub-committee, a representative of the shop said they had provided comprehensive conditions to address the concerns raised by residents and police. They added: "This particular premises has [not been open] and it hasn't contributed to any of the issues raised by the objectors.

"In terms of drunk people, the premises would not be selling to any drunk people and they have a very good CCTV system. They report any anti-social behaviour and any issues around the premises and they also have an incident book to record all the incidents and work with the police as well."

Concerns over alcohol being sold when pupils going to school

The representative went on to say that the applicant had 20 years worth of experience working in local off licences. Cllr Lynda Rice then said: "You're proposing to now sell alcohol at 8am in the morning but I'm worried that this is a time when kids are going to school and going by the past reputation regarding street drinking issues and loitering, it might be that parents, carers and children might not feel particularly safe?"

Premier Heathway's representative defended the proposed time and said there were a lot of premises in the area that sold alcohol from 8am and said the shop wouldn't be selling beer over 6.5per cent. Cllr Rice later suggested that the shop could start selling alcohol from 10am as it was after the school run however the off licence disagreed and said it wasn't a fair or proportionate suggestion.

After the committee had finished asking questions, they retired in private to make their decision. Ultimately the committee decided to grant the licence with the newly reduced hours and added an extra condition that the shop was not allowed to sell single cans of beers, lager and ciders.

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