Richmond Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has decided to grant a Whitton off-licence's application to sell alcohol earlier in the day, despite concerns for nearby school children.

During a meeting on Tuesday, 20 May the committee discussed whether to allow Universal Tech & Vape (now trading as New Food And Wine) on Percy Road to open from 7am to 11pm, and to sell alcohol from 9am to 11pm.

The committee accepted the change of hours which were originally from 10am to 11pm and the sale of booze from 11am to 11pm.

In addition, New Food And Wine had its licence Condition 13 removed which prohibited the shop from selling single single beers, lagers, or ciders above 6% ABV.

Instead, this has been replaced with no sale of beers, lagers or ciders with an alcoholic strength above 6.5% ABV.

However, the committee refused the shop's application to remove current Condition 20 which states: "Single cans/bottles of beer, ciders, and lagers shall not be sold or displayed for sale at the premises."

READ MORE: Richmond Council considers early alcohol sales for Whitton off-licence

In coming to its decision to grant the Whitton shop its amended licence, the committee said it "noted both Ward Councillors concerns regarding street drinking and the proximity to the Premises of highly vulnerable individuals."

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The decision report also stated: "The Sub-Committee agreed that the amended Conditions which restrict the display of alcoholic beverages in the shop floor (additional Condition 20) and limiting the number of children that can be present in the premises during a single period (additional Condition 30) would ensure that the licensing objective of the Protection of Children from Harm would be upheld."

Ahead of the meeting on 20 May, the application received four objections, including from Cllrs Lesley Pollesche and John Coombs, as well as two residents.

One of those objectors, Jennifer Singer, raised concerns to the committee about the earlier hours potentially causing concerns to students on their way to school or home and the "extensive" display of vapes on them.

Despite the concerns, the committee noted that vaping was not a licensable activity, and that "Members of Parliament should be lobbied to remedy this."

To read the full decision report on Universal Tech And Vape, click here.