Southampton c-store granted permission to sell alcohol

A convenience shop in Southampton has been granted permission to sell alcohol to customers despite a few objections raised over its close proximity from a primary school.

According to local reports, the retailer of The Granary in Mansion Road, Freemantle now has permission to sell alcohol by the members of the city council’s licensing sub-committee.

This was after a resident objected with concerns about the shop’s location around 150 metres from a primary school. At the sub-committee meeting on Wednesday (21), Suresh Kanapathi, of Arka Licensing and representing the applicant, said Mansion Road is a mix of commercial and residential properties.

“It is going to be a retail local convenience store, which we think is a great addition for the locality,” Kanapathi said. “It will be a great support for the local community as well as local businesses.”

In reference to the objection, Kanapathi said: “The main concern raised here is under-aged sales. That’s what I can see from the objection. We have agreed a number of conditions.”

The application from Ratheesh Ravi did not receive objections from police or environmental health, with both responsible authorities agreeing conditions over the proposed premises licence. The sub-committee was told the shop would enforce the Challenge 25 approach of asking for photographic identification from anyone buying age-restricted items who looks under 25.

The store will also ensure staff training is carried out and a CCTV system is operational. Following around 40 minutes of private discussion, the sub-committee confirmed it had granted the premises licence.

Chair Cllr Matthew Bunday said, “The sub-committee has noted the concerns of the local resident about the proximity to a local school and potential problems regarding the sale of alcohol.

“Questions were asked of the applicant regarding potential for under-aged sales and training. The sub-committee was satisfied with the responses provided as to the adoption of Challenge 25 and the training that would be provided to all staff.”

Cllr Bunday said elements of the resident’s objection amounted to speculation which could not be considered when determining a premises licence. The Granary was previously an office space. It is being converted under permitted development to a shop with a two-bed flat on the first floor.