Liverpool convenience store faces licensing restrictions

A city centre food convenience store could face restrictions on its ability to sell alcohol after Liverpool Council launched a review.

An application has been made to the local authority for a review of the premises licence at Freshways (Best One) on London Road. Documents made available earlier this week have revealed the review is being sought relating to the prevention of public nuisance.

It is one of four licensing objectives any premises must adhere to if it wishes to trade alcohol across Liverpool. Currently the store is able to open and sell alcohol for consumption off the premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The licence is held by Tharmalingam Gnanachchandran and was granted in 2019. Under the Licensing Act 2003, under which all applications are granted by Liverpool Council, prevention of public nuisance is defined as: “The prevention of public nuisance, will not extend to every activity which annoys another person but will cover behaviour which, when balanced against the public interest, is found to be unacceptable.”

The city council’s public protection unit investigates licensed premises causing a public nuisance due to loud recorded or live music. Representations can be made in relation to the London Road premises until May 7.

According to the notification issued online by the city council, it is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. Such an offence carries a hefty fine if found guilty.

A person is liable to an unlimited fine on conviction should such a false statement be made. Under the terms of its current licence, Freshways must ensure a designated premises supervisor is present for the sale of alcohol.

In order to consider the case against Freshways, the Liverpool licensing authority will call a premises licence review meeting to which all the complainants will be invited. At that meeting, at a date to be confirmed, the case will be discussed and the committee can decide to revoke part or all of the licence based on the evidence put forward.

All decisions can be appealed in the Magistrates’ Court. Freshways (Best One) has been contacted for comment.