Cheltenham retailer seeks alcohol licence for new convenience store  

A new convenience store in Cheltenham has submitted an application to sell alcohol.

Dinesh Mudiyanselage wants permission to sell alcohol for consumption at the premises at 87 Salisbury Avenue.

The licence application is for permission to sell alcohol every day from 6am until 11pm.

The premises is a self-contained ground floor store which Mudiyanselage says benefits from a good window frontage suitable for a convenience store.

Mudiyanselage says all staff will be fully trained for the purpose of fulfilling the terms and conditions of the licence and for preventing crime and disorder.

“A CCTV camera system will be installed inside and outside of the premises to monitor misconducting activities. Staff will be fully trained to act accordingly,” he said in his application.

“We will ensure noise is not audible at sensitive locations and does not cause any disturbance to the public.”

He also said he will take all necessary measures to prevent unpleasant odours and maintain a good waste disposal system.

And staff will challenge those who look under 25 for proof of ID when selling alcohol.

However, some 30 objections have been lodged with Cheltenham Borough Council over these proposals.

One objector said: “Opposite to these premises is a very good local Co-op, which sells alcohol. Residents are also within easy reach of the Morisson’s Supermarket at Caernarvon Road, which also sells alcohol.

“We are concerned that the extended opening hours that alcohol can be obtained during, may act as a magnet for problem drinkers and rough sleepers.”

Another fears the store would significantly harm trade at the nearby Co-op.

“I work at the Co-op store opposite the shop in which a proposal to sell alcohol has been submitted.

“A new convenience store would significantly harm Salisbury Avenue Co-op’s trade, particularly as a significant proportion of that trade consists of alcohol.

“This could harm both the profitability of the shop and the sense of community we try to foster. With the Morrisons store nearby, there is clearly no need for more food and drink provision.”

The borough council’s licensing subcommittee will make a decision on the plans at a meeting on June 22.