Licence approved for new purpose-built Co-op store in Murton

Earlier this year, the Co-operative Group applied for a premises licence for a new store in Murton, on the former Victoria Club site.

The licence bid forms part of wider plans to relocate from Woods Terrace to Church Street.

Alcohol hours included 6am-11pm, seven days a week, at the new premises.

During consultation, a single objection was lodged from a neighbour raising fears about the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance – which triggered a licensing hearing at Durham County Hall.

Councillors were told Co-op had worked with Durham Constabulary on a raft of conditions to keep customers and the community safe.

This included CCTV recordings being stored for a minimum of 28 days and made available to the police or council on request.

Richard Arnot, of Ward Hadaway law firm, representing the Co-operative Group, said there were several measures in place around the sale of age-restricted products.

This includes ‘Challenge 25’ and a robust training programme, with new staff only allowed to sell alcohol following approval from managers.

Licensing hours will be linked to opening hours, and the store will also have tills that prompt age checks and around 30 cameras.

Mr Arnot told the meeting alcohol sales typically represent around 15% in turnover.

He added that the Co-op is a very “risk averse” organisation and assured councillors that the store would be well managed.