New Sunderland off-licence gets approval despite neighbour's objection and police concerns

A new shop is set to open its doors in Sunderland after winning permission to sell booze despite concerns from police and a neighbour.

Earlier this year, a premises licence bid was submitted to Sunderland City Council for the Chester Off Licence, which will be based at 224 Chester Road.

During consultation, objections were lodged by Northumbria Police over crime and safety fears.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And trading standards also raised concerns over the lack of information in the application.

On January 16, the council’s licensing sub-committee gave the go ahead to the plan after the applicant agreed to amend the shop hours.

The approved bid includes alcohol sales between 9am and 9.30pm – reduced from 10.30pm – alongside providing soft drinks and snacks.

The application fell under the council’s new ‘cumulative impact policy’ which covers areas of Sunderland which are vulnerable to crime caused by excessive drinking.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An objection letter from a neighbour, read at the meeting, raised fears about drunken behaviour and beggars in the area, which could be worsened by the new shop.

However, councillors were satisfied that the applicant would provide take several steps to meeting licensing rules, including providing new CCTV cameras.

Other conditions included operating a ‘Challenge 25’ policy, keeping close links with the police and using a alcohol refusal registar.

Committee chairman, Coun Anne Lawson, reading the verdict said: “We’re going to approve the licence but that is because of the conditions that have been accepted

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There is another concern about the sale of alcohol in certain areas in the city, it’s something that members are concerned about in terms of the problems that brings with public health.

“We’re going to approve the licence because of the amendments you have made to the opening times of the shop.”

224 Chester Road, Sunderland Picture: Google

Chris Binding , Local Democracy Reporting Service