Richmond Council considers early alcohol sales for Whitton off-licence
Richmond Council has deliberated on whether to grant a Whitton off-licence's application to sell alcohol earlier in the day.
During a meeting yesterday morning (Tuesday, 20 May), chaired by Councillor Rob O'Carroll, the Council's Licensing Sub-Committee discussed representations both for and against allowing Universal Tech & Vape to open from 7am to 11pm, and to sell alcohol from 9am to 11pm.
The original proposal sought permission to sell alcohol and operate from 7am to 11pm, but following discussions with the police, this was amended.
At present, the alcohol and vape store opens daily from 10am to 11pm, and is licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises from 11am to 11pm.
Speaking on behalf of Universal Tech & Vape—better known locally as New Whitton Food & Wine—Oisín Daly told the committee the proposed changes were intended to help keep the business "viable."
He explained: "The applicant did wish to make some changes to their licence in order to make the business more viable, and obviously following consultation with the local police team, that application was amended."
Mr Daly also requested the committee consider removing licensing condition 20, which prohibits the sale of single cans of alcohol, and replacing condition 13 with a restriction allowing the sale of single cans only between 6% and 6.5% ABV.
In addition, Mr Daly cited Section 182 Guidance, urging licensing officers to "rely on experts"—in this case, the police—when considering issues relating to crime and disorder.
Cllr O'Carroll questioned why the applicant should now be granted "loosened conditions," noting that the premises had previously been found to be in breach of its licence.
Mr Daly responded that the incident occurred under a former Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), and that the current DPS had completed all necessary training to ensure compliance.
The application received four objections, including from Councillors Lesley Pollesche and John Coombs, as well as two residents.
Jennifer Singer, a long-time Whitton resident, voiced concern over the earlier operating hours.
"My objection is the extended morning hours of Universal Tech & Vape [New Whitton Food & Wine] because their hours coincide with the time children are travelling to school and expose them to vape sales. That's my primary concern," she told the committee.
Ms Singer added that granting the application would "send the wrong message to the community."
Although concerns were raised about the impact of vaping on young people, the Licensing Sub-Committee clarified that under the Licensing Act 2003, vaping is not a relevant consideration. The committee may only consider the sale of alcohol.
Ms Singer also pointed out that New Whitton Food & Wine had "an extensive" display of vapes and alcohol visible from outside the shop. However, Licensing Officer Sumeet Anand confirmed this was not in breach of the premises' licensing objectives.
Cllr Coombs said his "main concern" was that allowing earlier alcohol sales—from 9am instead of 11am—could lead to increased street drinking near a bench opposite the shop, just as children are on their way to school.
"Drunkenness is not the best thing to see, especially when children are going to school," he said.
"Ms Singer made a very pertinent point about the number of secondary schools in the area with children regularly passing that bench at the top of Montrose Avenue opposite the shop. But it's not just secondary schools—we have four primary schools nearby as well.
"To have drunks on that bench from nine o'clock, which will start to happen if these hours are changed, is detrimental to our street scene."
In response, Mr Daly argued that there was no evidence of anti-social behaviour or crime linked to the premises, and therefore such concerns should not factor into the decision.
The Licensing Sub-Committee will announce its decision on Universal Tech & Vape's application in due course.
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