Police raises concern over Bournemouth C- store alcohol licence application

Objections are being raised over Bournemouth’s convenience store’s alcohol licence, saying a premises licence could fuel “alcohol-related” crime in the town centre. 

According to local reports, Nicholas Gregory of Christchurch Road Stores Ltd has applied for a licence to sell alcohol from the site in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. 

A proposed layout submitted as part of the application indicated the store will trade as a Premier. The premise most recently was operated as a Sprinkles gelato. This site has not previously been utilised as a convenience store. 

Dorset Police have objected the application, suggesting a premises licence could fuel “alcohol-related” crime in the town centre. 

They said the area “already experiences a disproportionate number of street drinkers, anti-social behaviour and crime”, which “negatively impacts the community” and “increases the demand on police resources”. 

“Dorset Police and our partners continue to work hard to reduce/resolve these concerns of ASB (antisocial behaviour), crime and disorder,” stated the submission by the police. 

“The addition of a further alcohol provision in such a sensitive location is likely to significantly undermine our efforts, and investment, into reducing the crime and disorder in this area.” 

Police also flagged that alcohol sales at the location could increase “pre-drinking”, particularly among students, which could put strain on conventional night-time venues. 

A document submitted by the applicant outlines the steps the convenience store would take to prevent such crime and disorder. 

They include maintain close co-operation with the police, constant CCTV supervision of premises, and staff training on age checks for alcohol sales. 

The convenience store would be open between seven days a week between 7am and 10pm, with the application seeking alcohol sales between 10am and 10pm. 

Dorset Police said conditions proposed by the applicant are “unenforceable, vague and inappropriate for a premises licence”. 

“Dorset Police are firmly of the view, following a great deal of consideration, and limited mediation with the applicant, that the provision of off-sales alcohol, regardless of the time of day, is incompatible with this location,” they added. 

The application will be discussed at a BCP Council licensing sub-committee meeting on Thursday, February 9.