New store approved despite objections from Londis in same street

A new off licence has been approved despite an objection from an on-street competitor.

Mr Himanshukumar Patel had asked for a premises licence on Azalea Drive, Swanley, earlier this year after the previous pharmacy had vacated the area.

The shop will be run by Mr Patel under a Booker Group symbol.

However on the same street is a Londis shop, run by Mr Selvam, who objected to the proposal claiming it would cause anti-social behaviour which used to exist on the street.

He asked for the licence to be refused, or if not, for only weaker alcohol to be sold in the shop (under 5.5% ABV).

Speaking to the hearing Mr Selvam’s agent said:

“We can dress it however you wish, he’s scared that someone else is going to sell alcohol and he can’t, that’s not the case.

“What he’s fearful of is going back to what he’s had to come through.

“When he got his licence there was particular trouble in the area, and to say we wouldn’t have this trouble because we’re going to put two cameras outside, you might have to get permission to do that.

“Mr Selvam is concerned that these dark days could return.

“With someone new coming to the area who doesn’t know the customers, he doesn’t know the public Mr Selvam and his staff do.

“So they’re aware of the potential problems, and maybe in time he’ll learn that but the problem is in between the bad days returning to the area.”

Other objections also came from the council’s environmental health team and nearby residents, with both claiming that anti-social behaviour could be heard on the flats above the shops from Londis.

One resident nearby, Mr Charles McAllister, said in an objection that he already had “issues” with the noise from Londis and the “the noise outside the (new) shop will be horrendous”.

However, rebuking Mr Selvam’s objections, Mr Patel’s agent said he was trying to “protect his commercial interests”.

He said: “People visiting the Londis have noticed the age verification is not utilised which conflicts with the assertion by Mr Selvam is in control of the sale of alcohol on his premises at all times.

“We propose our application would help with any noise, illegal gatherings because we’re intending to put up CCTV cameras outside of our premises.

“As he should be aware every application must stand on its own strengths and because Mr Selvam has operated under a manner which has attracted bad behaviour, that doesn’t mean an experienced operator like my client will approach the running of his shop in the same manner.”

Eventually the council granted the licence to Mr Patel with conditions paving the way for a new off licence to move in.