Police concern over booze plan in 'serious violence hotspot'

Proposals to extend an off licence’s opening hours in Kensington have been met with concern from Merseyside Police amid issues around “incidents of serious violence.” Liverpool Council has received an application from Dhimal Lokuruge to increase the late hours of trading at his business Bargain Beers on Prescot Road.

The bid to sell alcohol until 2am has attracted the attention of the force however, who have lodged an objection ahead of the plans being considered by the city council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee next month. In a written representation, PC Nicola Ireland said Merseyside Police was of the view granting the extension would undermine licensing objectives to keep people safe.

The business currently trades from 8am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and until 10.30pm on Sundays. The shop is seeking to open an hour earlier from 7am daily as well as selling alcohol through until 2am.

However, the plans have been scrutinised by the police’s licensing team who have raised concerns about its viability. In her written representation, PC Ireland said: “Merseyside Police is of the opinion that granting this premises licence will undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.”

The police representative said how the location in Kensington and Fairfield fell within one of Merseyside’s “hotspots for crime and disorder” and is covered by a public space protection order to combat alcohol related violence and disorder. The objection added: “To date, Merseyside Police are continually dealing with issues regarding alcohol related anti-social behaviour and incidents of serious violence within this area of the city.

“This leads to the area feeling unsafe to members of the public, during the daytime as well as the night. Having a premises that sells alcohol until 2am a day is highly likely to contribute to these issues and see street drinkers attracted to the premises in the early hours.”

It was said this would subsequently undermine the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and prevention of public nuisance. No further objections have been made to the plans by any other relevant organisations.

The plans will be assessed by the three person panel at the Cunard Building on Wednesday September 18.