Neighbouring shops clash over alcohol licence

Two neighbouring Nechells shop owners have found themselves at loggerheads over an application to sell alcohol in the area.

And an attempt by one shop owner to prevent his neighbour from gaining a licence is ‘vexatious’ and ‘based upon business rivalry’, it has been claimed.

Vauxhall Food Store on Duddeston Mill Road applied this week for a licence to serve alcohol from 8am to 11pm Monday to Sunday, with a hearing held before the council on 3 August.

Only one objection was raised to the application – that being from the owner of a neighbouring shop that has already has an alcohol licence.

In his letter to the council, the owner of the shop claimed that the applicant was not a ‘responsible shop owner’, and also raised concerns over the issue of alcohol abuse in the area.

However, speaking on behalf of the applicant, a representative argued that there were no substantial reasons why the licence should not be granted – and even pointed to the fact that the objecting neighbour has since sold his shop and moved premises.

“Clearly it’s vexatious, it’s based upon business rivalry, and there is nothing there to show that the application is going to undermine any of the four key objectives,” he said.

“My applicant has been running the shop for approximately 35 years – he’s been there and run the shop, he knows his customers, he knows the area, he’s seen kids grow up in the area. He’s put out a petition in support of his application and he’s had 158 signatures.

“I just want to say he’s been running this shop for 35 years – this is his bread and butter. He’s not going to do anything to hamper his business. There have been no objections from any responsible authorities.

“The objector says there’s a problem with anti-social behaviour, and obviously the police are aware of this application, they haven’t overlooked this application because we have agreed conditions with the police.

“The shop who has made the objection next door has actually closed, and they’ve been closed for a number of weeks now. They’ve left the premises, they’ve sold it, and these premises are now going to be used as a dessert shop.

“So really I don’t see what his problem was, and unfortunately he’s not here today to ask him.”

A decision on the application is expected within five working days.